In a nutshell
An intermodal container is a standardized freight unit designed for seamless transport across various modes, such as ships, freight trains, and truck chassis. The core principle of intermodal transport is that the cargo remains inside the sealed container even when switching transport modes. This eliminates the time-consuming and risky process of reloading individual goods at ports or freight terminals.
Technical data & specifications at a glance
| Eigenschaft |
Standard Intermodal Container (ISO-Norm) |
| Normung & Standards |
ISO 668, ISO 1161 (Corner Castings), ISO 1496 (Spezifikationen) |
| Gängige Längen |
20 Fuß (6,06 m / 1 TEU), 40 Fuß (12,19 m / 1 FEU), 45 Fuß High Cube (13,71 m) |
| Schnittstellen & Aufnahme |
ISO-Eckbeschläge (Corner Castings) an allen 8 Ecken für Twistlock-Sicherungen |
| Handling-Systeme |
Umschlagbar per Kranspreader, Reachstacker, Portalhubwagen und Gabelstapler |
| Zulassung & Plakette |
Gültige CSC-Plakette (International Convention for Safe Containers) |
| Verkehrsträger |
Containerschiffe (See/Binnen), Eisenbahn-Flachwagen, LKW-Containerchassis |
What is an intermodal container used for?
Intermodal containers are the heartbeat of global trade and modern supply chains:
- Global maritime shipping: Efficient transport of goods across oceans on container ships.
- Combined rail transport: Sustainable long-distance logistics via freight train to relieve pressure on the road network.
- Hinterland logistics by truck: Final distribution of goods from the transshipment port or freight terminal directly to the end customer by road.
- Multi-modal supply chains: Flexible switching between transport modes without interrupting cargo separation or customs security.
Terminology: Intermodal container vs. shipping container vs. swap body
- Intermodal container: The general umbrella term for all standardized freight containers built for switching between ship, rail, and truck (including ISO shipping containers, reefers, and flat racks).
- Shipping container: The most common version of the intermodal container, specifically manufactured from weather-resistant Corten steel for maritime use and highly stackable.
- Swap Body: A container standardized primarily for continental road and rail transport in Europe. It is optimized for the width of Euro pallets and features fold-out support legs, but is generally not designed for maritime corner fittings and is not typically stackable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between intermodal and multimodal transport?
In intermodal transport the cargo remains in the same loading unit (the intermodal container) while only the mode of transport (ship, train, truck) changes. In multimodal transport multiple modes of transport are also used, but the individual cargo items themselves may be reloaded or repacked during transit.
What role does the CSC plate play for an intermodal container?
The CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate is the international safety certificate for freight containers. It guarantees that the container meets all strength and stacking tests and is approved for worldwide handling by crane, ship, and rail.
How are intermodal containers secured on trucks or trains?
They are secured via the standardized ISO corner fittings using so-called twistlocks . These engage with the corners of the container and mechanically lock it firmly to the chassis or the container beneath it.