GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Intermodal container
The intermodal container enters the picture whenever a shipment crosses more than one mode of transport: it is an ISO-standardised steel box – most commonly a 20-foot unit (TEU) or 40-foot unit (FEU) – designed to transfer between truck chassis, rail wagons, and container vessels without unpacking the cargo.
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Source: https://www.cargohandlingjournal.com/news/article/intermodal-containers-definition-and-importance
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Definition & Explanation
The intermodal container enters the picture whenever a shipment crosses more than one mode of transport: it is an ISO-standardised steel box – most commonly a 20-foot unit (TEU) or 40-foot unit (FEU) – designed to transfer between truck chassis, rail wagons, and container vessels without unpacking the cargo. Uniform corner fittings and standardised external dimensions mean that cranes and spreaders worldwide can handle the same unit interchangeably. Cargo stays sealed throughout the journey, which reduces breakage and theft, shortens terminal dwell times, and simplifies customs examination. Unlike swap bodies, which are optimised for European rail-road services and need not be stackable, intermodal containers are fully stackable and purpose-built for global ocean trade.
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