Glossary > #iC 70

Shipping Container iC 70

“Shipping Container iC 70” refers to a specific type of shipping container certified for railway transport under the British Railways (IC70) certification. This container combines the characteristics of standard intermodal containers with specialized railway safety certification, enabling smooth movement of goods between different types of transport, including sea, rail, and road.

“iC” in the name means “InterContainer”, which is an international certification for railway transport safety that indicates the container’s suitability for use on railways within a specific certification framework. The number “70” indicates the specific certification for British Rail.

This type of container is widely used in intermodal freight transport, where goods are transported in standardized containers without the need for unloading and reloading when switching between different types of transport. This glossary entry examines in detail the characteristics, certifications, and uses of the Shipping Container iC 70.

What is a Shipping Container iC 70?

Shipping Container iC 70 is a standardized shipping container certified for safe use on British Railways thanks to the IC70 certification. Although it functions as a universal container for freight transport, its IC certification ensures that it meets strict safety and compatibility standards for railways.

Key Features:

  1. Intermodal Compatibility: Designed for smooth transport between sea, rail, and road transport without the need for unloading or reloading of cargo.
  2. Certification: The designation “iC 70” guarantees compliance with the standards of the International Union of Railways (UIC) for railway transport, specifically for British Railways.
  3. Durability: Made from weather-resistant steel (often COR-TEN), which provides protection against adverse weather and corrosion.
  4. Standardized Dimensions: Available in ISO-standardized sizes (20 feet, 40 feet, or high-cube variants) to ensure compatibility with global logistics systems.
  5. Markings: Contains important markings such as container number, ISO code, tare weight, and maximum gross weight.

Meaning of the “iC 70” Designation

The code “iC” and the following number are important identifiers for containers certified for railway transport. Here is a detailed breakdown:

  1. “iC”:
    • Abbreviation for InterContainer, which represents compliance with international safety and operational standards for railway transport.
    • Indicates that the container can be safely transported by rail in certified railway systems.
  2. “70”:
    • Indicates the specific railway certification for British Railways.
    • Other examples of IC codes include:
      • IC61: Korean National Railways
      • IC81: Austrian Federal Railways
      • IC87: French National Railways (SNCF)

Features of Shipping Container iC 70

Shipping Container iC 70 is designed to meet the requirements for both general and specialized cargo transport. Below are its main features:

1. Universal Design

  • Use: Suitable for transporting a wide range of goods, including textiles, machinery, metal goods, and electronics.
  • Construction: Manufactured as a closed rectangular box with corrugated steel walls for increased strength.
  • Dimensions: Available in sizes of 20 feet, 40 feet, and high-cube (HC) according to ISO standards.

2. Railway Certification

  • The IC70 designation ensures that the container meets the safety and operational requirements of British Railways, making it ideal for intermodal use involving railway transport.

3. Weather Resistance

  • Made from COR-TEN steel, which is resistant to corrosion and weather damage, ensuring long service life even in demanding environments.

4. Load Capacity

  • Maximum Gross Weight: Typically around 30 tons, including the weight of the container itself.
  • Payload: The maximum weight of cargo that can be loaded is calculated by subtracting the tare weight (weight of the empty container) from the gross weight.

5. Stackability

  • Equipped with corner fittings that allow safe stacking on ships, railway cars, or storage areas.

Uses of Shipping Container iC 70

Shipping Container iC 70 is versatile and is used in various industries for efficient and safe cargo transport. Its uses include:

1. Global Transport

  • Ensures smooth movement of goods between maritime transport, rail, and road transport, reducing the need for intermediate handling.

2. Railway Transport

  • Particularly suitable for railway transport on British Railways thanks to IC70 certification.
  • Ensures compatibility with railway systems in the United Kingdom.

3. Industrial Use

  • Commonly used for transporting machinery, construction materials, and bulk cargo.
  • Ideal for industries requiring reliable and durable transport solutions.

4. Storage Solutions

  • Often used as a storage container due to its durability and standardized dimensions.

Common Markings on Containers

Each Shipping Container iC 70 contains specific markings that provide important information for its identification and use. Key markings include:

  1. Container Number:
  2. ISO Code:
    • A four-digit code that specifies the size and type of container. For example:
      • 22G1: Standard 20-foot container.
      • 45G1: High 40-foot container (high-cube).
  3. Weight Information:
    • Maximum Gross Weight: Total weight capacity including the container itself.
    • Tare Weight: Weight of the empty container.
    • Payload: Maximum weight of cargo.
  4. CSC Plate:
    • A metal plate that confirms the container’s compliance with the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC).
  5. IC Code:
    • Indicates InterContainer certification (e.g., IC70 for British Railways).

Advantages of Using Shipping Container iC 70

  1. Flexibility: Allows the use of the same container across different types of transport.
  2. Cost Savings: Reduces cargo handling costs and minimizes the risk of damage during transport.
  3. Durability: Resistant to weather conditions, ensuring safe transport over long distances.
  4. Global Standards: Compliance with ISO and IC certifications ensures compatibility with global logistics networks.
  5. Sustainability: Supports sustainable transport by optimizing space and reducing fuel consumption in intermodal systems.

Related Container Types

Although Shipping Container iC 70 is universal, there are other container types designed for specific uses:

  1. High Cube (HC) Containers:
    • Taller than standard containers, providing more internal space.
  2. Refrigerated Containers:
    • Cooled units used for transporting perishable goods.
  3. Open Top Containers:
    • Designed for loading cargo from above, suitable for heavy or oversized goods.
  4. Flat Rack Containers:
    • Without side walls or roof, used for oversized cargo.
  5. Tank Containers:
    • Specialized for transporting liquids, such as chemicals and food products.

Conclusion

Shipping Container iC 70 represents a key component of modern intermodal transport, particularly in logistics networks involving British Railways. Its combination of standardized design, railway certification, and durability makes it a preferred choice for companies looking to optimize their supply chains. With its ability to seamlessly transition between maritime, rail, and road transport, this type of container demonstrates efficiency and reliability in global trade.