An ISO container, is a shipping container or intermodal container, is a standardized metal box designed and built according to specifications set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These containers are used for transporting goods by multiple modes of transportation, including ships, trains, and trucks, without the need for unloading and reloading the cargo. Here are some key characteristics of ISO containers:

1. Standardization: ISO containers come in standardized sizes, primarily 20 feet (often referred to as TEU – Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) and 40 feet in length. Standardization allows for efficient handling, stacking, and transportation across different modes of transport.

2. Construction: ISO containers are typically made of steel, although some variations may use aluminum or composite materials. They feature corrugated walls, reinforced corners, and heavy-duty doors for strength, durability, and weather resistance.

3. Types: There are various types of ISO containers designed to accommodate different types of cargo, including:

   • Dry cargo containers: Suitable for general cargo such as machinery, textiles, electronics, and consumer goods.
   • Refrigerated containers (reefers): Equipped with temperature control systems for transporting perishable goods, such as food and pharmaceuticals.
   • Tank containers: Designed for transporting liquids, gases, and bulk chemicals.
   • Flat rack containers: Used for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot fit into standard containers.

4. Intermodal Transport: ISO containers are integral to intermodal transportation, where goods are seamlessly transferred between different modes of transport, such as ships, trains, and trucks, using specialized handling equipment. This allows for efficient and cost-effective transportation over long distances.

5. Global Trade: ISO containers play a crucial role in facilitating global trade by enabling the efficient movement of goods between countries and continents. They have become the standard unit of cargo handling and transportation worldwide, contributing to the globalization of the economy.

Overall, ISO containers have revolutionized the logistics and transportation industry by providing a standardized, reliable, and efficient means of transporting goods across long distances and diverse transportation networks. They have significantly improved the speed, safety, and cost-effectiveness of international trade and supply chain management.