What Is an Intermodal Container? A Buyer’s Guide

What Does “Intermodal Container” Mean?

An intermodal container is a standardized steel container designed to move seamlessly across multiple modes of transportation—ship, rail, and truck—without unloading its contents. The word “intermodal” refers to this ability to transfer between transport methods while keeping cargo inside the same unit.

In everyday use, an intermodal container is the same physical unit most people call a shipping container. The term highlights how it moves rather than what it stores.

How Intermodal Containers Work

Intermodal containers are built to international ISO standards, which means:

• They can be stacked on container ships
• They fit onto rail cars
• They mount directly onto truck chassis
• No repacking is required between modes

This system is what makes global trade efficient. A single container can travel from a factory overseas to a warehouse in the U.S. without ever being opened.

Standard Sizes and Types

Most intermodal containers follow the same common formats used throughout the industry:

• 20ft Containers – Compact and easy to place
• 40ft Containers – Maximum interior volume
• High Cube Containers – Extra height for racking and equipment
• New (One-Trip) Containers – Like-new condition
• Used Containers – Budget-friendly and wind & watertight

All are constructed from corrugated steel and engineered for repeated lifting, stacking, and long-term outdoor exposure.

Beyond Transportation: Modern Uses

While designed for freight, intermodal containers are now widely used for stationary applications:

• Construction site storage
• Warehouse overflow
• Equipment and tool security
• Temporary retail or workspace
• Long-term commercial storage

The same features that make them transport-ready—strength, uniform size, and weather resistance—make them ideal for storage.

Why Businesses Choose Intermodal Containers

Compared to traditional storage buildings, intermodal containers offer:

• Rapid deployment
• Lower upfront cost
• Relocatable design
• Secure, lockable construction

This makes them especially valuable for contractors, manufacturers, and growing operations that need flexibility.

Delivery and Placement

Most containers are delivered using tilt-bed trucks and placed directly on your site. You can learn how this works on our Shipping Container Delivery page.

Many buyers also use Pay on Delivery or arrange transport through our Pick-Up Service.

How to Choose the Right Intermodal Container

When buying, focus on:

• Interior space requirements
• New versus used condition
• Available placement area
• Short-term or long-term use

The correct size and condition ensure you avoid overpaying or undersizing your storage.

Industry Standards

Intermodal containers follow ISO specifications that ensure compatibility across global transport systems. This standardization is what allows containers to move efficiently between ships, trains, and trucks.

For a technical overview of container standards, see the International Organization for Standardization.

Are Intermodal Containers Right for You?

Whether used for transport or storage, intermodal containers provide unmatched durability and flexibility. They deliver secure space without the cost or delay of building permanent structures.

For most buyers, an intermodal container is simply the most practical steel storage solution available.