{"id":3789,"date":"2025-07-21T08:37:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T01:37:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tradecorp-usa.com\/blog\/?p=3789"},"modified":"2026-10-02T11:25:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T04:25:14","slug":"multimodal-intermodal-container-sizes-and-differences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tradecorp-usa.com\/blog\/multimodal-intermodal-container-sizes-and-differences\/","title":{"rendered":"Multimodal & Intermodal Container: Sizes and Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are various multimodal and intermodal container sizes. Intermodal and multimodal transportation are two logistics concepts often used to optimize the transportation of goods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The terms multimodal and intermodal are often used interchangeably in logistics, but there\u2019s a subtle difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Find out their various sizes along with the differences only in this article!<\/span><\/p>\n

Differences Between Intermodal and Multimodal Transportation<\/b><\/h2>\n

Here are some of the differences between intermodal and multimodal transportation:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Definition<\/b><\/h3>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Contact<\/b><\/h3>\n

Intermodal uses multiple contracts (one for each mode), unlike multimodal, which only has one contract for the entire journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Responsibility<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Documentation<\/b><\/h3>\n

Intermodal transportation has multiple travel documents, as each mode has a single document. Meanwhile, multimodal transportation only has one document for the entire journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Coordination<\/b><\/h3>\n

Shipping using intermodal transportation is generally less integrated, as it requires more coordination between operators. <\/span><\/p>\n

Multimodal transportation offers better coordination because it is handled by a single operator.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Efficiency<\/b><\/h3>\n

Besides a more complex coordination system, intermodal transportation offers flexible options for each segment, but can be more complex in terms of coordination. <\/span><\/p>\n

Multimodal transportation, on the other hand, is more efficient in terms of coordination, but flexibility in choosing transportation modes is limited.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intermodal Size<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"Tradecorp's
Tradecorp’s reefer containers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intermodal containers or ISO containers come in standardized sizes to facilitate transportation. <\/span><\/p>\n

ISO standard containers follow ISO 668 dimensions and classifications. Here are the most common intermodal container sizes:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Type<\/b><\/td>\nExternal Dimension<\/b><\/td>\nInternal Dimension<\/b><\/td>\nMax Gross Weight<\/b><\/td>\nCubic<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
20\u2019<\/span><\/td>\n20′ x 8′ x 8’6″<\/span><\/td>\n19’4″ x 7’9″ x 7’10”<\/span><\/td>\n52,910 lbs<\/span><\/td>\n1,170 ft\u00b3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
40\u2019<\/span><\/td>\n40′ x 8′ x 8’6″<\/span><\/td>\n39’6″ x 7’9″ x 7’10”<\/span><\/td>\n67,200 lbs<\/span><\/td>\n2,390 ft\u00b3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
40\u2019 High Cube<\/span><\/td>\n40′ x 8′ x 9’6″<\/span><\/td>\n39’5″ x 7’9″ x 8’10”<\/span><\/td>\n67,200 lbs<\/span><\/td>\n2,700 ft\u00b3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
45\u2019 High Cube<\/span><\/td>\n45′ x 8′ x 9’6″<\/span><\/td>\n44’5″ x 7’11” x 8’10”<\/span><\/td>\n67,200 lbs<\/span><\/td>\n3,030 ft\u00b3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Keep in mind that the container\u2019s maximum payload varies depending on road and rail regulations in different countries. <\/span><\/p>\n

To inform you, high-cube containers offer an extra foot of vertical space for voluminous cargo.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Intermodal, these container types are used for:<\/span><\/p>\n