New markings of intermodal loading units in Europe 12/05/11

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The introduction of containers and their worldwide standardisation based on ISO standards has resulted in increased efficiency of deep sea shipping which in turn brought about a significant expansion of world trade and created the basis for globalization.

In continental transport, intermodality enables to combine the advantages of two or more transport modes, for instance the high transport capacity, security and environmental performance of rail or inland navigation with the fl exibility of road over short distances and in dense urban settings.

ISO containers are shipped on road, by inland waterway or rail mainly in seaport hinterland traffic; in continental transport easy-to-tranship loading units, standardised CEN swapbodies and semi-trailers are used. These are better adapted to the dimensions of road vehicles and are also lighter and easier to load. Due to common technical characteristics, many road vehicles, wagons and transhipment devices are suitable for use with every type of loading unit.

The new EN 13044 standard for the marking of intermodal loading units simplifies the access to Combined Transport and brings efficiency impovements for all those involved. The owner identification of European loading units and ISO-Containers will develop in a compatible way in the coming years.


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