Logistics Terminology: Transport Unit Definitions

Logistics and Transport Terminology

Transport Contract Types

1) Multimodal Transport

This type of contract usually requires at least two different modes of transport, such as motor lorry by road and aircraft by air.

Intermodal Transport

Sometimes the freight is transported in the same loading unit, but more than one mode of transport is used.

Equipment and Vehicles

2) Road Railer Trailer

It is a vehicle in which goods are transported by land.

3) Reach Stacker

It is used in sectors of the port industry. The reach stacker can lift, load, move, and lower containers quickly, efficiently, and uniquely.

4) Flat Rack Container

These containers lack side walls and, as appropriate, even front and rear walls. They are used for atypical loads and pay supplements in the same way as open-top ones.

5) ISO Container

The standard containers are the most used for the transport of all types of loads. They are closed on all four sides and can be manufactured with doors on one or both ends, depending on the requirements. The standardization of these containers is regulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

6) Tanktainer

These are a type of container used for the bulk transport of liquids, for example, corrosive chemicals, or for the loading of oils and wines.

7) River Barge

A barge is a naval device, without its own propulsion, with a flat bottom, which is used for river transport or maritime transport of goods and passengers between nearby coasts. Its flat bottom facilitates its beaching on sandy shores, not requiring docks or piers for loading or unloading.

Goods Classification

8) Hazardous Goods

Dangerous goods are items or substances that, when transported, present a danger to health, safety, property, or the environment. In addition, they must be classified according to the risk criteria established by the United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, or included in the list of dangerous goods.

9) Perishable Goods

The term perishable products includes fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and eggs. These items must be shipped under strictly controlled temperature and storage conditions.

Measurement Concepts

10) Feet

The foot is a unit of length of artificial origin, based on the human foot, already used by ancient civilizations.

11) Length

Length is a magnitude created to measure the distance between two points.

12) Measurements

Measurement is a basic process of science that is based on comparing a selected unit of measure with the object or phenomenon whose physical magnitude you want to measure, to find out how many times the unit is contained in that magnitude.

Intermodal Units

13) Swap Body

A swap body is an "intermodal transport unit" (UTI) generally used in intermodal land transport (rail-road). It can be lifted and removed from a truck, supported by four folding legs of the same height as the vehicle, or it can be lifted to be placed directly on a railroad car. The swap body can be easily separated from the vehicle that carries it.