Intermodal equipment is depended on every day for its versatility as it carries cargo from ship to truck and rail. This specialized equipment must be efficient, moving quickly without much handling when switching between different transportation modes.
In this blog post, we pinpoint the most common types of intermodal equipment, so you can thoroughly understand what’s available for your shipping needs.
Intermodal Containers
You’ve probably seen these large enclosed boxes on the back of cargo ships or even used to build trendy tiny container homes. These containers are highly versatile since they can be transferred between the three modes of transportation without having to unload and reload freight.
And, the flexibility doesn’t stop there. Containers can be stacked for storage or for rail travel. They can also be dry or refrigerated if you need to ship perishables.
Trailers
You’ve no doubt seen numerous semi-trucks hauling trailers over the road. This is the enclosed part that carries the freight like a container, except it has its own wheels and can connect to the chassis.
Trailers can also be moved between different modes of transport, such as trucks and rail. They can’t be stacked like containers since they have wheels, but trailers can be loaded onto flatcars.
Intermodal (ISO) Tanks
This specialized type of equipment is used to carry liquids, such as solvents, liqueurs, juices, and chemicals. The tanks range in size between 20’ to 40’ sporting a cylinder shape for holding the liquid.
ISO tanks are also flexible and can be quickly transferred from one mode of transport to another without unloading and reloading. For train travel, they can be stacked or loaded onto well cars. For trucks, they can be loaded onto the chassis.
Chassis
We’ve already touched on this type of equipment, but to recap, the chassis is the frame located underneath a truck with wheels. The container is mounted on top of the chassis. It comes in multiple sizes to accommodate the cargo being hauled.
