Iso Container
The most important standardized shipping unit is the ISO container. This shipping unit has been under guidance of the IMO standardized according to ISO 668.
Within the standard there are different sizes varying in length and height. Commonly used are 20’ and 40’ containers with height of 8’6”. Containers built with a height of 9’6” are called “high cube” ISO container. [Kummer 2009, pp. 112-113; Martin 2000, pp. 60-61; Vahrenkamp 2005, pp. 335-337]
ISO containers have fixed lashing points for standardized lashing equipment. This allowed defining cross modal standards and easy multi modal utilization.
Moreover, containers can be built for special purposes. For instance, containers for liquids, chemicals and pressured gas are available. Also, containers could have isolated cooling or freezing compartments and carrying their own supply unit. [Kummer 2009, pp. 112-113; Martin 2000, pp. 60-61; Vahrenkamp 2005, pp. 335-337]
To draw a conclusion, containers are the most flexible standard shipping unit and can be integrated in all transport modes except air transports.
See Standard Units
