Intermodal Container

An intermodal container is a standardized steel shipping container designed to be transported seamlessly across multiple modes of transportation, including truck, rail, and ocean vessel, without the need to unload and reload the cargo at each transfer point. For cold chain logistics, refrigerated intermodal containers, known as reefer containers, provide temperature-controlled shipping for long-distance moves where direct trucking would be prohibitively expensive.

Refrigerated intermodal containers are available in standard lengths of 20 and 40 feet, with the 40-foot container being most common for domestic shipments. These containers have built-in refrigeration units that maintain temperatures from -30 degrees Fahrenheit to +85 degrees Fahrenheit. The insulation and construction standards are designed to withstand the rigors of ocean transport, making them extremely durable for domestic use as well.

The primary advantage of intermodal shipping for cold chain products is cost savings on long-haul lanes. Intermodal rates for moves exceeding 700 to 1,000 miles are typically 10 to 20 percent lower than over-the-road trucking because rail transportation consumes significantly less fuel per ton-mile. However, intermodal transit times are longer, typically adding one to three days compared to direct truck service, which limits its suitability for highly perishable products with short shelf lives.

Intermodal cold chain logistics requires careful planning around power supply for the refrigeration unit. While on the rail car, containers can be powered by the genset on the container itself or by rail-car-mounted power units. During the drayage legs at origin and destination, the container's refrigeration unit runs on its own diesel engine or must be connected to an external genset mounted on the truck chassis.