Some questions about intermodal double stacks

20' containers would go in pairs on bottom and 40', 45', 48', or 53' could go on top.  There is no way to secure all four corners of the 20' containers if they were on top of the longer container since the longer containers only have attachment points at the 4 corners.  Although it is not often seen, a shorter container (but longer than 20') can be positioned on top of a longer container.  Usual case is longer container on top of shorter container. 

@JFC454 posted:

20' containers would go in pairs on bottom and 40', 45', 48', or 53' could go on top.  There is no way to secure all four corners of the 20' containers if they were on top of the longer container since the longer containers only have attachment points at the 4 corners.  Although it is not often seen, a shorter container (but longer than 20') can be positioned on top of a longer container.  Usual case is longer container on top of shorter container.

Don't the 20 ft and 40 ft containers have the same Max Gross Weight (58,000 lbs - 67,000 lbs)? So, it makes sense to keep a pair of the loaded 20 ft containers in the lower position, in the well cars, as they together, could weigh twice as much as a loaded, 40 ft or even a 53 ft container.

Also, the articulated, 40 ft well cars-set, while limited to 40 ft containers in the lower (well) position, could allow up to a 48 ft container, in the top position.

Likewise, the articulated, 53 ft well cars-set, while limited to 53 ft containers in the lower (well) position, could allow up to a 57 ft container (if they are ever made), in the top position.

These are just my opinion,

Naveen Rajan

@naveenrajan posted:

Don't the 20 ft and 40 ft containers have the same Max Gross Weight (58,000 lbs - 67,000 lbs)? So, it makes sense to keep a pair of the loaded 20 ft containers in the lower position, in the well cars, as they together, could weigh twice as much as a loaded, 40 ft or even a 53 ft container.

I think you are correct about the 20' and 40' containers having the same max gross weight, but even if the 20' containers were loaded light they still can't be secured on top of a larger container.  Only 2 corners of each 20' container would lock into the larger container below it.  It is possible to double stack 20' containers in the same well as long as the max gross weight isn't exceeded. In my observation this is rare.

Picture of 4, 20' containers:       "  https://www.progressiverailroa...container%20position "

Indicates that (2) 20' containers can be on top and 2 on bottom:      https://www.gatx.com/products/intermodal-well-cars/

Also, the articulated, 40 ft well cars-set, while limited to 40 ft containers in the lower (well) position, could allow up to a 48 ft container, in the top position.

Depending on car manufacturer, 53' containers can also be stacked on top in some positions on a 5 unit, 40' well set.

Indicates that up to (3) 53' containers in 5 car set:     https://www.progressiverailroa.../product.aspx?id=131

Diagram shows (1) 53' container in 5 car set:   https://www.gbrx.com/railcars/maxi-stack-i-car/

Not sure which cars can accommodate ISO Tanks "double stacked", but some can according to this page:

https://www.saferack.com/gloss...iso-tank-containers/

@MainLine Steam posted:

Not sure which cars can accommodate ISO Tanks "double stacked", but some can according to this page:

https://www.saferack.com/gloss...iso-tank-containers/

ISO containers, even ISO tank containers should fit in intermodal well cars, even those with wells for domestic, 53 ft, intermodal containers.

My employer offers, mobile power generators and the larger ones are built inside 20 ft, 40 ft, ISO and 48 ft intermodal containers.

These are just my opinion,

Naveen Rajan

@JFC454 posted:

 

Picture of 4, 20' containers:       "  https://www.progressiverailroa...container%20position "

I wonder if the 4, 20 ft, ISO containers are completely, partially empty or loaded with lighter commodities as the Gross Rail Load of the car in your link is 225,400 pounds and the Max Gross Weight of just 4, 20 ft, ISO containers could be as high as 268,000 lbs, without even considering the weight of the intermodal, well car.

These are just my opinion,

Naveen Rajan

@naveenrajan posted:

Likewise, the articulated, 53 ft well cars-set, while limited to 53 ft containers in the lower (well) position, could allow up to a 57 ft container (if they are ever made), in the top position.

There has actually been a longer container than 53', namely the Canadian Tire 60' container only seen in Canada. Check out this article for photos and more info: https://www.trains.com/trn/new...north-of-the-border/

Single Unit Well Cars have more Net weight capacity, since they are NOT sharing a Truck with the adjacent Well.  This is taken into consideration when "placing" Containers onto a train in addition to Container length.

Insofar as ISO’s; many of the products handled in ISO’s are placarded. In the event of an accident, emergency responders would need ready access to the ISO, something that would be problematic were the tank top loaded above another container. In the same context, having another container or ISO loaded above a bottom loaded ISO, could similarly impede access for emergency responders.

I will acknowledge that ISO’s are stacked while on board ships but, ocean carriers have stowage procedures governing where and among what other products an ISO may stowed. In fact, container lines typically have limits on how many ISO’s or box containers of certain hazmat products may even be on board the vessel at any point in time.

Curt