There are various multimodal and intermodal container sizes. Intermodal and multimodal transportation are two logistics concepts often used to optimize the transportation of goods.
The terms multimodal and intermodal are often used interchangeably in logistics, but there’s a subtle difference.
Although both involve the use of more than one mode of transportation, there are significant differences in the management methods, responsibilities, and operational efficiencies offered by each method.
Find out their various sizes along with the differences only in this article!
Contents
Differences Between Intermodal and Multimodal Transportation
Here are some of the differences between intermodal and multimodal transportation:
1. Definition
Intermodal is the use of multiple modes of transportation to transport goods from an origin to a destination, but each mode is managed by a different operator with a separate contract. Multimodal, on the other hand, uses multiple modes of transportation to transport goods from an origin to a destination, but the entire journey is managed by a single operator with a single contract.
2. Contact
Intermodal uses multiple contracts (one for each mode), unlike multimodal, which only has one contract for the entire journey.
3. Responsibility
Intermodal transportation has operators responsible for their respective transportation segments. Meanwhile, multimodal transportation has a single operator who is fully responsible for the entire journey.
4. Documentation
Intermodal transportation has multiple travel documents, as each mode has a single document. Meanwhile, multimodal transportation only has one document for the entire journey.
5. Coordination
Shipping using intermodal transportation is generally less integrated, as it requires more coordination between operators. Multimodal transportation offers better coordination because it is handled by a single operator.
6. Efficiency
Besides a more complex coordination system, intermodal transportation offers flexible options for each segment, but can be more complex in terms of coordination. Multimodal transportation, on the other hand, is more efficient in terms of coordination, but flexibility in choosing transportation modes is limited.
Intermodal Size
Intermodal transport uses multiple modes (ship + rail + truck), but the container itself is not opened. In other words, cargo stays in the same container, without being unloaded.
Intermodal containers or ISO containers come in standardized sizes to facilitate transportation. ISO standard containers follow ISO 668 dimensions and classifications. Here are the most common intermodal container sizes:
| Type | External Dimension | Internal Dimension | Max Gross Weight | Cubic |
| 20’ | 20′ x 8′ x 8’6″ | 19’4″ x 7’9″ x 7’10” | 52,910 lbs | 1,170 ft³ |
| 40’ | 40′ x 8′ x 8’6″ | 39’6″ x 7’9″ x 7’10” | 67,200 lbs | 2,390 ft³ |
| 40’ High Cube | 40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ | 39’5″ x 7’9″ x 8’10” | 67,200 lbs | 2,700 ft³ |
| 45’ High Cube | 45′ x 8′ x 9’6″ | 44’5″ x 7’11” x 8’10” | 67,200 lbs | 3,030 ft³ |
Keep in mind that the container’s maximum payload varies depending on road and rail regulations in different countries. To inform you, high-cube containers offer an extra foot of vertical space for voluminous cargo.
In Intermodal, these container types are used for:
- Open top: Oversized cargo, top-loading equipment
- Flat Rack: Heavy or oversized cargo (machinery, vehicles)
- Refrigerated: Perishable goods like food or medicine
- Tank: Liquids, gases, chemicals
- Ventilated: Goods requiring air circulation (e.g., coffee, cocoa)
Multimodal Container Size
Multimodal transport may involve a single carrier responsible for the entire journey, also using multiple modes, but the logistics responsibility is unified.
That said, container sizes for multimodal transport are typically the same standardized ISO containers used in intermodal shipping. Here’s a breakdown of commonly used multimodal container sizes:
| Type | External Dimension | Typical Use |
| 20’ | 20′ x 8′ x 8’6″ | General cargo, heavy goods |
| 40’ | 40′ x 8′ x 8’6″ | High-volume, low-density cargo |
| 40’ High Cube | 40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ | Tall cargo or high-volume loads |
| 45’ High Cube | 45′ x 8′ x 9’6″ | Extended cargo, more capacity |
Standard ISO sizes (20’, 40’, 40’ HC, 45’ HC) are most common across global multimodal systems. However, there are also specialized multimodal container types, they are:
- Refrigerated Containers (20’, 40’, & 45’): Temperature-sensitive goods
- Flat Rack Containers (20’ & 40’): Heavy machinery, oversized cargo
- Open Top Containers (20’ & 40’): Bulk materials or top-loading cargo
- Tank Containers (Usually 20’): Liquids (chemicals, food-grade, fuel)
The multimodal container is also for the regional or non-ISO variants occasionally. For example, the 48’, 53’, and 60’ in North America, and 7.15-7.82m in Europe. 53ft containers are increasingly popular in North American road/rail networks, though they are not ISO-standard for global ocean shipping.
Use of Containers in Intermodal and Multimodal Transportation
In an intermodal transportation system, goods are transported using multiple modes of transportation, such as trucks, trains, and ships, and remain in the same container from start to finish.
Each mode is managed by a different operator, and responsibility for moving goods between modes of transportation is also divided according to the agreement between the parties involved. The main advantages of intermodal transportation are flexibility and cost efficiency, as freight can be optimized based on the availability and rates of the various modes of transportation.
Unlike intermodal, multimodal transportation involves a single contract and a single operator who is fully responsible for managing the entire journey of the goods, even if multiple modes of transportation are used.
While other types of containers are still used in multimodal transportation, all coordination is handled by a single party, ensuring the goods arrive at their destination smoothly. The main advantages of this system are simplification of the logistics process and reduction of risk, as only one party is responsible for the entire journey.
Conclusion
Understanding those six key differences between intermodal and multimodal containers can help you choose the most efficient transportation strategy that best suits your logistics needs.
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