What is an Intermodal Container? – Beginner’s Guide & an Easy Way to Open/Close

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What is an Intermodal Container?

Intermodal Containers are also known as shipping containers, and are the cargo containers that allow goods to be stored for transport in trucks, trains and boats, making intermodal transport possible.  They are typically used to transport heavy materials or palletized goods.  These containers have revolutionized global trade by providing a simple, efficient, and cost-effective way to move goods from one place to another.

In this article, we will explore what intermodal containers are, their history, and their role in the modern global supply chain.

Intermodal Containers are large, steel boxes designed to transport goods by sea or land. They have become an integral part of the global economy, enabling businesses to transport goods across oceans and continents with ease. Intermodal Containers are ubiquitous in ports around the world, stacked high on container ships and transported across the globe.

Intermodal Containers are also referred to as shipping container, ISO container, conex box, railroad container, and certain truck trailers. This industry term refers to the International Standards Organization (ISO), the largest developer of international standards and the organization that developed the standard dimension specifications (commonly 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet) for steel shipping containers used worldwide.  Intermodal containers are standardized metal boxes that are used to transport goods and materials across the world. They come in various sizes and are designed to be easily loaded and unloaded from ships, trains, and trucks, making them ideal for use in the global supply chain. Intermodal containers are constructed from durable materials, making them weather-resistant and able to withstand the rigors of long-distance transportation. This ensures that the goods and materials inside are protected during transit.

The design of the ISO standard containers allows for intermodal shipping, which is the movement of containers from one mode of transport to another, like ship, rail, or truck, without the need of having to load and unload, and reload its contents.

History of Intermodal Containers

The history of Intermodal Containers dates back to the 18th century when wooden barrels were used to transport goods across the seas. However, the use of containers as we know them today didn’t become widespread until the mid-20th century.  Intermodal Containers are used to protect transported cargo from shock and bad weather conditions, as well as keep storage products intact.

In 1956, American businessman Malcom McLean revolutionized the shipping industry by introducing the first container ship, the Ideal X. This ship was designed to carry standardized Intermodal Containers, which made it much more efficient and cost-effective than traditional cargo ships. McLean’s innovation led to the development of standardized containers, and the shipping industry has never been the same since.

The development of Intermodal containers can be traced back to the 1950s when the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) established standards for intermodal containers. These standards established the size, strength, and specifications of intermodal containers, ensuring that they could be easily transported between different modes of transportation and handled by different countries and ports around the world.

Since then, Intermodal containers have become the standard for global shipping, with millions of containers in use around the world. They have made it possible for goods and materials to be transported from one place to another more efficiently and cost-effectively than ever before.

Role in the Modern Global Supply Chain

Intermodal containers play a critical role in the modern global supply chain. They make it possible for goods and materials to be transported from one place to another quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and cost of shipping. This has made it easier for companies to access new markets and has increased the speed of global trade.

In addition, Intermodal containers standardize the size and shape of shipping containers, making it easier to handle and transport goods and materials. This standardization also makes it easier to automate many of the processes involved in shipping, reducing the risk of damage to goods and improving overall efficiency.

There are different types of Intermodal Containers for different types of transportation:

Standardized Sizes

Intermodal Containers are available in a range of standardized sizes, with the most common being 20 feet and 40 feet in length. The 20-foot container is known as a TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) and the 40-foot container is known as a FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit). These standard sizes allow containers to be easily loaded onto ships and transported across oceans and continents.

Depending on the type of product that is going to be sent, the Intermodal Container can vary in dimension (commonly 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet), structure, material, etc. Characteristics of these shipping containers were later standardized, something that expedited transport without the need to load and unload the merchandise along the way.

Construction of Intermodal Containers

Intermodal containers are typically made of steel and are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of sea transport. The walls, floor, and roof of the container are all made of steel, and the container is welded together to ensure strength and durability. The steel used in the construction of shipping containers is high-grade, corrosion-resistant steel that can withstand the rigors of sea transport.

Features of Intermodal Containers

Shipping containers are designed with a range of features to ensure the safety and security of the goods being transported. These features include:

• Locking doors: Intermodal Containers are equipped with heavy-duty locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and theft.
• Ventilation: Intermodal Containers have ventilation holes or vents to ensure that air can circulate inside the container, preventing the buildup of condensation and reducing the risk of damage to the goods being transported.
• Tie-down points: Intermodal Containers are equipped with tie-down points on the interior to secure goods during transit.
• Forklift pockets: Intermodal Containers have pockets on the bottom corners that allow forklifts to easily lift and move the container.

Benefits of Intermodal Containers

Shipping containers offer several benefits, including:

1. Durability: Intermodal Containers are made from high-strength steel, making them durable and able to withstand harsh conditions during transportation and storage.
2. Weather-resistant: Intermodal Containers are weather-resistant, providing protection for goods in harsh environments.
3. Security: Intermodal Containers are secure and provide protection for goods during transportation and storage, with locking mechanisms and the option for added security features.
4. Standardization: Intermodal Containers are standardized in size, making them easy to transport by sea, rail, or road, and providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for the transportation of goods.
5. Modifiability: Intermodal Containers can be modified and adapted to meet specific needs, including adding windows, doors, insulation, and more, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

Uses of Shipping Containers and Intermodal Containers

Shipping containers and Intermodal Containers can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

1. Storage: Both shipping containers and Intermodal Containers provide a secure and weather-resistant storage solution, making them ideal for storing goods in harsh environments.
2. Transportation: Shipping containers and Intermodal Containers can be loaded onto ships, trains, or trucks for the transportation of goods, providing a convenient and secure way to transport large amounts of goods.
3. Temporary or permanent housing: Shipping containers and Intermodal Containers can be modified to provide temporary or permanent housing, either as a standalone structure or as part of a larger building.
4. Retail spaces: Shipping containers and Intermodal Containers can be modified and used as retail spaces, providing a unique and cost-effective solution for businesses.
5. Workshops and studios: Shipping containers and Intermodal Containers can be modified and used as workshops or studios, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for small businesses and artists.
6. Modular homes: Shipping containers and Intermodal Containers can be converted into modular homes, offering an affordable and sustainable housing solution. These homes can be designed and built off-site, then transported to their final location.
7. Pop-up stores: Shipping containers and Intermodal Containers can be converted into pop-up stores, allowing businesses to set up shop in a variety of locations. These stores are often used for temporary events or as a way to test out new markets before committing to a permanent location.
8. Swimming pools: Shipping containers and Intermodal Containers can be converted into swimming pools, offering a unique and affordable pool option.

There are different types of Intermodal Containers for different types of transportation:

Common Types of Intermodal Containers or Shipping Containers

Intermodal Containers are another name for the standard shipping containers most used on the market.  Intermodal Containers are typically suitable for any type of dry cargo: pallets, boxes, bags, machines, furniture, etc.

Common types include:

• Dry Storage Container
• Refrigerated Container
• Open top container
• Flat rack container
• Open Side Container
• Tanks Container
• Ventilated containers

Dry Storage Intermodal Container

Dry Storage Intermodal shipping containers are your typical standard shipping containers.  Basic construction is made of steel, and hermetically sealed, without cooling or ventilation.  Sizes typically come in 20 ‘, 40’ or 40 ‘High Cube.  The High Cube category facilitates an increase of 13% of the internal cubic capacity and can handle the heaviest loads (coal, tobacco, etc.)

Refrigerated Intermodal Container

Reefer Intermodal Containers provide a temperature-controlled environment. They have a power supply that connects to energy sources during transport. This allows the products to be transported at a constant temperature throughout the journey. They have the possibility to lower temperature from -18 ° to 30 °.  There are 20 and 40-foot models, in addition to the High Cube.

This type of Intermodal Container is especially recommended for transporting food or products that need a low storage temperature.

Open Top Intermodal Container

Open Top Intermodal Containers have the same measurements as the standard containers but are open at the top because they have a removable canvas roof.  These containers facilitate the transport of bulky loads.

Flat Rack Intermodal Container

Flat Rack Intermodal Containers are like the Open Top, but also lack sidewalls and even, in some cases, front and rear walls. They are used for atypical loads and pay supplements in the same way as Open Top.

Open Side Intermodal Container

Open Side Intermodal Containers have the same measurements as standard containers; 20 or 40 feet, with the difference that they have a side opening. This allows for transporting very long merchandise, whose dimensions prevent it from being loaded by the back door.

Tank Intermodal Container

Tank Intermodal Containers are used for liquid transport and made to carry dangerous as toxic, corrosive, highly combustible chemicals, as well as oil, milk, beers, wine, mineral water, etc. They have the same dimensions as Dry Intermodal Containers, but their structure is different, as they include a polyethylene tank inside.

Ventilated Intermodal Containers

Ventilated Intermodal Containers are made for transporting products such as coffee or cocoa beans, which must be ventilated in transit; sometimes these units are called “coffee containers”.

Intermodal Container Door Diagram and Troubleshooting

Shipping Container Diagram

1. Doors

Two door leaves are fabricated from two vertical rolled hollow sections and 2 horizontal c section members. The frame is infilled with corrugated steel paneling.

These are normally attached to the rear corner posts each with four drop forged steel hinge blades. The blades allow 270 degree opening which allow the doors to swing back against the container side wall.

(Cargo may shift during transit. Look at the container to make sure that the doors are aligned and level, both top and bottom.  In cases where the container frame is racked and the door gear will not operate correctly.)

Shipping Container Door

2. Lockbox

The lock box is a steel box welded to the right hand door which overlaps a staple welded to the left hand door. A padlock, normally type CISA type 285 66 can then be attached inside the lock box through the staple and is then protected from direct attack, hindering attempts to gain entry to the container.

Shipping Container Lockbox

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3. Lockrods, cam keepers, handles

Each door is fitted with 2-4 vertical lock rods to enable opening, closing and locking of the doors.

Shipping Container Lockrods

• Shipping Container Lock Rods | Buy on Amazon or eBay

At the end of each lock rod (top and bottom) is a cam welded in place which engages with knuckles, also known as cam keepers.

Shipping Container Cam Keepers

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The action of engaging the cams to the keepers forms an anti-racking function.

(In certain cases, often unfortunately too many, contents of the shipping container may have shifted, or containers even dropped, causing shipping container doors and lockrods to warp)

The door handle rotates the lockbar to initiates the door opening process by forcing the cams out of their keepers.  Each door handle has a door locking handle retainer that slides over the door handle when in locked position.

Shipping Container Door Handles

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4. Rubber gaskets

Rubber gaskets are fitted to the container doors during the manufacturing process and prevent water ingress.

(Door gaskets are designed to present two or more fins against the structure or adjacent door. These are generally flexible but when the gasket is damaged, they may become hard or blocked thus jamming the door closed, or preventing it being closed.)

Shipping Container Rubber Gaskets

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5. ISO markings and CSC plate

ISO markings and a consolidated data plate allow worldwide intermodal transport when left in place and updated as necessary.

Shipping Container ISO Markings & CSC Plate

6. Hinge pins

Of course for a door to work, you need hinges.

Shipping Container Hinge Pins

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(In certain cases when doors are difficult to open, hinge pins and blade are seized due to corrosion.)

Find Shipping Container Doors and Parts Here

Choosing the Right Company for Buying an Intermodal Container

When doing research in finding the right Intermodal Container, follow some of these tips:

Research Online

Choose which companies have a good track record of excellence and reputation.  Read reviews and what other customers have to say.

Check for Availability

If you are shipping from various locations, check for availability if containers can be delivered to your required areas.

Check for Best Pricing

If money matters, you can find used container resellers online that might be able to offer half the price on used containers.

Check for Good Customer Service

If you plan to order often, you might want to check for good customer service.  Ask potential container companies a question through email or their online customer service. See how fast they respond.

Check for Warranty

Check with companies to see if they offer any warranties or buy back or trade-in plans.

There are millions of Intermodal Containers in use around the world, and a lucky few get a second life as repurposed shipping container structures. While they look a bit plain and boxy to the untrained eye, shipping containers play a critical role in our lives, whether embarking on ocean crossings to deliver the goods we use every day or venturing into a second life as a container structure.

Here are Some Fascinating Facts about Intermodal Container

• Intermodal Containers can be safely stacked nine high.
• Well-maintained Intermodal Containers hold 759, of their original value for 25+ years.
• There are over 37 million Intermodal Containers in use around the world.
• An Intermodal Container floor can hold up to 55,000 lb. of goods without warping.
• Intermodal Container flooring is made of 1-1/8” marine grade plywood.
• Most Intermodal Containers are 20 feet or 40-feet long.
• Intermodal Containers are made of 16-gauge corten steel.
• Common container modifications include personnel doors, windows flooring, shelving, work stations, insulation, climate control & even restrooms.

Fun Ways to Use Intermodal Containers

Intermodal Containers are not just used for cargo these days. There are many innovative and imaginative uses you may like to consider.

Here are a few ideas of how shipping containers have been used for modern, cost-effective buildings.

Homes

The trend to build cost-effective homes from recycled shipping containers started in the USA and has reached Australia.

Art Galleries

Architect, Tomokaza Hayakawa designed an art gallery in Japan using two shipping containers stacked on each other.

Drive-Thru Coffee

Starbucks in Washington has used four old shipping containers to create an architect-designed drive-thru store.

Cafes

A cafe in Footscray (Melbourne) called Rudimentary has been built using three 40-foot shipping containers.

Polar Stations

India has built a Polar Station in Antarctica using 134 shipping containers. They cover three floors and are well insulated for the weather conditions.

A well-maintained Intermodal Container can hold 75% of its original value for 25+ years. Every day, container ships transport goods all over the world on the international seas.

Intermodal Container
Opening and Closing Tool

An Intermodal Container (also known as Conex Box, ISO Container,Railroad Container, and certain Truck Trailers)  is a large standardized shipping container, designed and built for intermodal freight transport.  Intermodal Containers can be used across different modes of transport.  They can go from ship to rail to truck, without unloading and reloading their cargo.

The metal doors on the shipping containers on containers are standardized.  Intermodal Containers use the same type and style of doors and locking bars, which our tool can be used.

Lengths are as follows: 20′, 40′, 45′, 48′, 50′, 53′. All these containers are globally used to transport cargo. The 53′ length is now, the new the standard length.

Please be sure to read OPNBar Extended Instructions & Precautions

Here are some likely reasons a Intermodal Container door will not open or close. Our hand leverage tool / shipping container door extension handle helps to address these issues.

• Rust and Corrosion: The hinge pins and blade are seized due to corrosion.  As shipping containers navigate through diverse weather conditions and environments over time, they become susceptible to rust and corrosion. These corrosive agents can target the locking mechanisms and hinges, ultimately impeding the smooth operation of the container's doors. This accumulation of rust and corrosion introduces a layer of complexity to unlocking and opening the container.
• Maintenance Neglect: Regular maintenance is pivotal to sustaining the functionality of shipping containers. The absence of consistent upkeep can lead to complications with the locking mechanisms, hinges, and seals. Without proper lubrication and care, these components might stiffen or become challenging to manipulate, thereby escalating the difficulty of opening the container.
• Physical Impact: The nature of shipping exposes containers to a barrage of wear and tear, stemming from transportation and handling activities. Consequently, the containers might acquire dents, twists, or misalignments. These physical distortions can hinder the proper alignment of the doors, rendering the opening process arduous.
• Uneven Placement: Placing a shipping container on uneven ground can disrupt its frame's equilibrium. This misalignment can extend to the doors, making them difficult to open or close. The uneven stance of the container introduces an extra layer of complexity when trying to access its interior.  Doors and lock rods may warp or the container frame is racked so that the door gear will not operate correctly. This may be caused by cargo shifting during transit. Look at the container to make sure that the doors are aligned and level, both top, and bottom.
• Temperature Influences: Drastic temperature variations encountered during transportation can trigger material expansion and contraction. This phenomenon reverberates through the locking mechanisms and hinges, potentially impairing their normal operation. The impact of temperature fluctuations compounds the challenges associated with opening the container.  Water has become trapped between frozen shipping container doors, particularly relevant to refrigerated cargoes, or containers with moisture-releasing cargoes in cold weather.
• Inadequate Tools: The task of opening a shipping container may necessitate specialized tools such as heavy-duty bolt cutters or unique locking mechanism tools. In the absence of these tools, the process can become considerably more demanding.
• Sealing Complexity: Some shipping containers employ adhesive materials or seals to ensure the contents remain shielded from environmental elements. Over time, these seals can harden and resist breaking. Consequently, accessing the container requires overcoming this intricate sealing mechanism. 
• The door gasket has been damaged and is preventing opening. Door gaskets are designed to present two or more fins against the structure or adjacent door. These are generally flexible but when the gasket is damaged, they may become hard or blocked thus jamming the door closed, or preventing it from being closed. 
• Security Enhancements: Certain shipping containers incorporate robust security features to discourage unauthorized access and potential theft. Although these features are indispensable for safeguarding the contents, they can inadvertently increase the intricacy of opening the container.
• The Covid economy had also released many shipping containers in the world which are now often reused and the issue of hard-to-open/close used shipping containers is now a more common issue than ever.

Related: Injuries from Opening/Closing Hard to Open/Close Shipping Container Doors