Abstract: A lift for a fork tine assembly includes a generally upright frame having at least one handle grip portion at a rearward portion thereof. The handle grip portion is fixed relative to the frame. A lift mechanism is secured to the frame. The lift mechanism is capable of attaching to and raising and lowering at least one fork tine. A plurality of wheels support the frame. The at least one fork tine may be part of a first fork tine assembly that can be selectively removed from the lift and replaced with a different configuration fork tine assembly. An optional shelf is provided on the frame for convenience but may be pivoted out of the way when not in use.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises a first well component supported by a first railcar truck and a second railcar truck. The first well component is disposed between the first railcar truck and the second railcar truck. The length of the first well component is restricted to transport an intermodal shipping container no longer than twenty feet in length. In particular embodiments, the first well component is configured to transport a double stack of twenty-foot intermodal shipping containers. Each twenty-foot shipping container of the double stack may be loaded to maximum weight of 67,000 pounds. Particular embodiments include an articulated railcar with two or more twenty-foot well components.

Abstract: The present technology provides a cargo adapter that can be inserted into a passenger compartment of a mixed-use vehicle that can be anchored to existing anchor points in the vehicle. The cargo adapter can then receive, secure, and support a cargo locker in a way that safely secures the cargo and avoids wear on the interior surfaces of the passenger compartment. The present technology further provides a system for transporting a cargo locker to a vehicle and inserting the cargo adapter and cargo locker into the vehicle quickly and easily.

Abstract: A shippable, balanced, self-contained, solar-powered, battery-charging, restricted-access, parkable, equipment station.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower is provided with a plurality of tower segment which are placed one on top of the other in order to form the tower. A lower tower segment has a lower end face, and in the lower region of the lower tower segment, the lower tower segment has a plurality of recesses and through-bores between the lower end face of the lower tower segment and a base of the recesses. The recesses are designed to receive a leveling unit for leveling the lower tower segment. The recesses are preferably provided on the inner face of the lower tower segment and provide an effective possibility for receiving leveling units.

Abstract: A pickup trunk is provided for a pickup truck having a bed with side walls and a tailgate. The pickup trunk includes a holder to receive cargo therein. A manually adjustable retainer mechanism is for retaining the holder with the cargo in a stationary position on a back portion of the bed between the side walls of the pickup truck adjacent to the tailgate, so as to allow for easy access and retrieval of the cargo from the holder when the tailgate is opened.

Abstract: An improved cargo dolly has at least two top rail assemblies and a frame with an inner rail having mounting brackets for receiving the top rail assemblies. Each top rail assembly spans the width of the frame but not the length of the frame and can move between an attached state and an unattached state by actuating fasteners that pass through the top rail assembly to its respective mounting brackets on the frame. The movement between the attached and unattached states occurs independently of an attached or unattached state of the other top rail assembly.

Abstract: A number of variation may include a vehicle construction and cargo deployment system in which the vehicle suspends pre-packaged modules from above (instead of supported from below). This aids rapid deployment in thoroughfare environments. Concept may include at least one module for containment and delivery of cargo to a location, which may also include a vehicle for thoroughfare delivery of the module which may also include an edge at or within the height of a curb on a thoroughfare for deployment of the module onto the curb.

Abstract: A cargo system includes first and second rails extending longitudinally along first and second side walls of a vehicle. A load floor has multiple panels hinged to one another. The rails are configured to support the load floor above a floor of the vehicle. The load floor is movable along the rails between an extended position and a retracted position. The multiple panels of the load floor divide the cargo area into a first portion below the load floor and above the vehicle floor and a second portion above the load floor. The multiple panels substantially uncover the vehicle floor when the load floor is in the retracted position. The cargo system may also include a cargo retainer. The rails support the cargo retainer such that the cargo retainer spans between the rails and is above the load floor when the load floor is in the extended position.

Abstract: A transport system having a loading frame disposed in or placeable in a cargo area of a transport vehicle and at least one loading floor that is insertable in the loading frame and removable from the loading frame. The loading frame includes posts and floor supports mounted thereon for receiving the loading floor. The transport system includes a locking system having interacting locking elements for securely and releaseably locking the loading floor for transport in the loading frame on the floor supports and/or posts and on each or the loading floor. The loading floor includes a fastening arrangement for at least one cargo securing apparatus for securing cargo to be transported on the loading floor. The cargo can be placed on the loading floor outside of the cargo area and can be fixed by the cargo securing apparatus for transport before the loading floor is placed in the loading frame.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing upright support system apparatus includes high-strength roll formed tubular bars, and a bar-supporting sheet to distribute stress from product shifting in large shipping containers during transport. Parts are re-useable and can be quickly installed into the shipping container at selected locations such as near the container's doors. The bars can be swept and/or have deformed/configured ends shaped to engage channel features in side walls of the large shipping container. The bars may define spaced tubes and a tie rod for added strength. For example, the bars can be steel having 120 KSI to 220 KSI tensile strength, and have a cross-section 2-3 inches in depth and 4-6 inches in height, a length of 94 long, and a longitudinal sweep of 6 inches curvature.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.

Abstract: A hard disk cache includes entries to be written to a disk, and also includes ordering information describing the order that they should be written to the disk. Data may be written from the cache to the disk in the order specified by the ordering information. In some situations, data may be written out of order. Further, in some situations, clean data from the cache may be combined with dirty data from the cache when performing a cache flush.

Abstract: A shipping container support mechanism for a rail freight wagon is adjustable between a retracted position in which a container can be supported in a well of the wagon between elevated end platforms which extend over wheels and bogies. In the deployed, extended position, the mechanism supports an end region of a container, the opposite end of which can be supported on another such mechanism or an end platform. The support mechanism is mountable in the side wall of the wagon and has a pivotal support arm which can move from a stowed position in the wagon frame to a horizontally extended position.

Abstract: A system and method of loading and delivering goods which may include rolling trays adapted to roll into a truck trailer. The truck trailer may have rails at different heights allowing for the high density packing of trays within the trailer. The trailer may have a lift mechanism with rails which allows rolling trays to be placed onto the rails, or to be rolled onto elevated rails off of mating rails. The lift mechanism may be adapted to raise the rolling trays to different heights associated with the rails within the trailer.

Abstract: A decking beam support bracket being removably attachable to vertical anchoring tracks installed in a cargo container. The decking beam support bracket comprises a durably rigid horizontal frame. Each end of the support bracket frame has inwardly tapered ends, whereby protecting cargo from the bracket during loading or unloading of the container. Various slots are formed into the length of the frame and spaced a short distance apart allowing a decking beam to be attached at varying intervals according to the length of the bracket. The bracket is attachable to the vertical anchoring tracks by having two securement members attached on the rear side of opposing ends of the bracket frame.

Abstract: An aerial delivery device which includes a frame, a top skin, a bottom skin, and a core associated with the top skin, and bottom skin. The core includes a spatial arrangement of, for example, geometric cells, having a cavity defined by walls which extend at least partially between the top skin and the bottom skin. A frame that provides a substantially contiguous boarder around a perimeter of the core may be included. The present invention includes a method of assembly, maintenance, and/or repair of an aerial delivery device, wherein a top skin, a bottom skin, an aerial delivery device frame, and/or additional parts associated with aerial delivery, are associated with one another and/or the core material or replacement core material and device elements.

Abstract: A new-type corner fitting for a container includes a bottom face, a top face, an inner side face, an outer side face, a front end face and a rear end face. The front end face and the inner side face are cut out in part to form a step. The overall external dimensions of said corner fitting is slightly larger than the overall external dimensions of a traditional corner fitting. The corner fitting comprises a bevel between the inner side face and the bottom face thereof. The front end face is cut out in part to form a horizontal first portion of the step, and the bevel close to the front end face is cut out to form an oblique second portion of the step.

Abstract: A cargo handling system and method employing a plurality of slide units and tracks. The tracks are mounted in or on a floor of a cargo area of a mobile platform, and also on a ramp of the mobile platform. The slide units slide within the tracks and enable container roll in, roll out platforms (CROPs) and 1077 flatracks to be slidably moved into and out from the cargo area. The slide units are arranged at the four corners of each CROP or 1077 flatrack and can be positively locked to a CROP or 1077 flatrack by a standard ISO twist lock assembly. The slide units eliminate the need for a K-loader and a crane to be present at the site where loading or unloading is to occur. Instead, suitable vehicles such a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTTs), which are more readily transported to remote cites, can be used to assist in slidably loading and offloading CROPs and 1077 flatracks.

Abstract: The invention provides a racking system for the storage and transportation of goods. The racking system allows for storage and transportation of an increased amount of goods over a given area of floor space on transportation vehicles, facilitates air flow around goods being shipped to improve refrigeration, increases ease of loading and off-loading goods in relation to a transportation vehicle, and decreases time spent loading and off-loading goods. The racking system can particularly be combined with a railway car for improved long-haul transportation of goods, particularly perishable goods, such as boxed butchered meat products.

Abstract: A vehicle support and restraint system for a vehicle transporter permits the operator to consistently and securely install either soft tie-down or hard tie-down cargo vehicle restraint while standing at ground level.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for situating and securing payloads to support structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a support structure, a floor assembly, and a payload assembly. The floor assembly includes a plurality of elongated engagement members coupled to the support structure, the engagement members being spaced apart and mostly parallel, each engagement member including an engagement surface. The payload assembly includes a payload component positioned proximate the floor assembly, and at least one payload support coupled to the payload component and engaged with at least some of the engagement members, the payload support being adapted to beam loads from the payload component to the floor assembly and being moveable with the payload component relative to the floor assembly.

Abstract: A retractable load support system for selectively raising a load from the bed of a trailer for allowing the usage of a forklift for loading and unloading the load. The retractable load support system includes a trailer having a bed, a plurality of openings within the bed, a plurality of supports extendable through the openings, a plurality of support members attached to the supports, and at least one actuator attached to the trailer and the support members for selectively lowering and raising the plurality of supports. A locking bar is extendable through locking apertures within the support members and a support frame of the trailer for locking the supports in a raised position.

Abstract: Processes for positioning, securing, and repositioning payload assemblies onto floor assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a support structure having a plurality of elongated engagement members, each engagement member including an engagement surface adapted to support a load; forming an adaptable payload assembly that includes a payload member and at least one payload support coupled to the payload member, the payload support being adapted to transmit loads from the payload member to at least one engagement member, the payload support being moveable with the payload member relative to the support structure; and removeably coupling the payload support to at least one of the engagement surfaces of the engagement members. In an alternate embodiment, the engagement surfaces are at least one of approximately flush with and recessed below a lower surface of a panel supported by the support structure.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The vehicles are loaded from the ground by use of a movable ramp that is positioned next to a separate coupler end of the rail road car. The car has deck access fittings mounted between the trucks near a collapsible hitch to provide access to the highway trailer landing gear crank, and flush mounted internal bridge plates. The rail road car has side sills having flared ends to act as a guide for the highway trailers as they are backed up. The hitch is trimmed to a relatively narrow width to lessen the likelihood of fouling the tyres of the highway trailer bogies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking cargo to a deck on board a ship is described. Lateral dividing profiles, which are arranged on and secured to the deck, and which form loading lanes, have lock accommodating openings to accept rotatable and movable locking devices from lockable loads (trailer supports and cargo cassettes) capable of being parked in the cargo lanes. Present on the loads is a mechanism, which is connected to the locking device for the purpose of locking or releasing the loads, in conjunction with a cargo vehicle, which can be driven between the lanes, is so arranged as to actuate the mechanism when the cargo vehicle passes the mechanism.

Abstract: Connector housings attached to modules are received within aligned socket formations attached to the modules held assembled therewith forming a platform by joints established between such connector housings and the socket formations by selectively controlled locking balls projected through side walls of the connector housings into the socket formations. Such projection of the balls is guided through sleeves adjustably positioned on the housing side walls.

Abstract: An end cap attached to an end of skid for rolling a vehicle through the end cap and on to or off of the skid, the end cap having at least one channel extending through the end cap wherein each channel of the end cap is aligned with one channel in the top of the platform of the skid for holding the wheels of the vehicle. The end cap is attached to the top of a platform of a skid. In addition, the end cap can be designed and manufactured in either multiple segments or as a single component. The end cap may optionally have a vertical extension extending down from one side of the end cap and attaching to the bottom of the platform, thereby covering an end of the skid.

Abstract: A railroad car transport system for transporting a railway car on a roadway in which a carriage assembly receives the rear end of a railway car and supports the rear end of the railway car during transport. A gooseneck receives the front end of the railway car and supports the front end of the railway car during transport. The carriage assembly and gooseneck together support the railway car and form a unitary body resembling a trailer that may be towed by a semi-tractor on a roadway.

Abstract: A trailer winch assembly (100) is provided for loading containers (52, 53, 94, 96) onto a trailer (50). The winch assembly (100) comprises two movable winch apparatuses (102, 104) mounted on a winch transport assembly (106). A wheel assembly (200) having a rigid wheel frame (202), a wheel (206) rotatably and slidable supported in the wheel frame (202), and an attachment assembly (204) utilizes a jack (298) to raise the container onto the wheel. An off-load foot (350) including a downwardly extending leg (354) having a base (396) for engaging a ground surface (85) is utilized to off-load containers. A container lockdown mechanism (500) includes a securement member (504) attached to the trailer (50), an attachment member (502), and an extension member (506) extended between the container and the securement member (504) to hold the container (52) on the trailer (50).

Abstract: A combination shipping container, shipping container locking device and a door blocking apparatus inhibits access to the interior of the shipping container while it is being shipped. The blocking apparatus comprises a pair of legs joined to form a generally L-shaped, elongate member, wherein one of the legs provides a pair of spaced apart apertures, with each of the apertures fitted over the container locking device and locked in place adjacent to a set of closed doors of the shipping container. The other of the legs of the elongate member extends upwardly from the first leg in a position for blocking the doors of the shipping container from being opened.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing logs from a forestry site. The apparatus and method includes a primary mobile machine having means attached to a rearward portion thereof for holding a first end of a first log cluster. The apparatus and method also includes a first secondary mobile machine with a first end having means for holding a second end of the first log cluster, and a second end having means for holding a first end of a second log cluster. The primary mobile machine and the first secondary mobile machine are interconnected by the first log cluster.

Abstract: A twist lock for connecting containers comprises a housing integrally formed with an upper fitting part and a lower fitting part each being capable of fitting into a fitting hole in a corner fitting of a container, a spindle inserted in the housing in a rotatable and vertically displaceable manner, an upper lock connected to the top end of the spindle and being engageable with the fitting hole in the corner fitting of the container, and a lower lock being in positional agreement with and fixed securly to the lower fitting part of the housing and slidably fitted with a plurality of locking members which can engage with and disengage from the fitting hole in the corner fitting of the container. In this twist lock, the spindle is urged by a spring member in such a direction that the upper lock can engage with the fitting hole in the corner fitting of the container, while each of the locking members is urged by another spring member in such a direction that it can retract into the lower lock.

Abstract: A space filling unit for use in a container for cargo shipment to prohibit shifting of the cargo is formed by flat first and second panels, with first and second slots formed in each so that, when assembled, an x-shaped structure is formed. When placed in the container, respective end edges of the panels are supported on the bed of the cargo container while the other of the panel's end edges engage the container's sidewalls. The panel side edges form a pair of x-shaped bases which serve to support the cargo against movement toward the end wall of the container. An anti-slip element may be included on the respective end edges, braces may engage the panels proximate respective end edges, and panel wear on the cargo. An auxiliary bearing penal may also be used adjacent at least one of the x-shaped bases. A plurality of x-shaped structures may be utilized in the present invention, with a corresponding plurality of bearing panels interposed between the x-shaped structures.

Abstract: A space filling device for use in a container for cargo shipment to prohibit shifting of the cargo is formed by flat first and second panels, with first and second slots formed in each so that, when assembled, an x-shaped structure is formed. When placed in the container, respective end edges of the panels are supported on the bed of the cargo container while the other of the panels' end edges engage the container's sidewalls. The panel side edges form a pair of x-shaped bases which serve to support the cargo against movement toward the end wall of the container. An anti-slip element may be included on the respective end edges, braces may engage the panels proximate respective end edges, and panel side edge guards may be included to prevent undue wear on the cargo. An auxiliary bearing penal may also be used adjacent at least one of the x-shaped bases.

Abstract: A safety block is disclosed which may be attached to the rearward end of the cargo bed of a pipe truck which has a powered pipe lift. The safety block includes a bar which automatically raises when pipe is being unloaded using the powered pipe lift and forms a barrier which prevents injuries and promotes worker safety by creating a barrier to prevent other pieces of pipe from rolling off of the rear of the cargo platform.

Abstract: A deck structure for use in loading a transportation vehicle includes a main deck portion having a plurality of parallel spaced elongate rail members attached at each end to a sleeve together with a pair of support portions each formed from parallel rail members similar to the rail members of the deck portion attached at one end to a pipe inserted in the sleeves of the deck portion. This allows each side portion to pivot relative to the main deck portion about the axis of the pipe. The rail members are perforated transversely and have channels longitudinally which allow the communication of air. The rail members of the side portions are interleaved with the rail members of the main deck portion so that the side portions can fold to a collapsed condition within the plane of the main deck portion. The device can be used to support a second load above a first load on the floor of the vehicle; to act as a bulkhead across the vehicle; to provide air channels along the sides and/or floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A chassis conversion saddle for a standard 40' ISO container trailer for converting it to allow it to carry a standard 20' intermodal container. The chassis conversion saddle is constructed to be carried by the container trailer, and includes a forward section, a central section and a rear section. The forward section of the conversion saddle includes two standard ISO corner castings for being secured to the two forward standard ISO corner fittings of a standard 40' ISO container trailer. The forward section lies at least partially above the raised forward portion of the container trailer which clears the fifth wheel of a tractor, and includes a downturned end where it connects to the central section of the conversion saddle. The central section of the conversion saddle is lower to the ground than the forward section, and includes an upper plane surface for receiving and supporting a standard 20.degree. intermodal container.

Abstract: An anti-pilferage device is attached to the car body of a railroad flatcar of the type for carrying containers. The device has a mounting plate attached to the car frame at a point adjacent the doors of a container loaded on the car. A barrier is tiltably supported on the mounting plate in a manner which permits free movement if the barrier is bumped during loading of a container. The barrier is movable between a raised, operative position and a lowered, retracted position. A spring biases the barrier to the operative position, wherein it is in the path of a swinging container door to prevent it from being opened. In the retracted position the barrier is below the level of the container floor. A plurality of anti-pilferage devices may be mounted on the car to accommodate containers of various lengths. The barriers are automatically movable between the retracted position and operative position without the need for manual actuation.

Abstract: A multi-unit articulated railway freight car defining a container well in each of the several units, with container support members attached to the side sills of each unit to support standard intermodal cargo containers at a location low enough to permit a second tier of containers to be stacked atop a bottom tier without exceeding the maximum height restrictions of most main railroad lines, although ample clearance is preserved beneath the bottom of the car when fully loaded. Each container support member is constructed of thick plate steel of high strength, formed cold to include residual internal stresses in order to resist failure when subjected to the loads imposed by supporting loaded containers carried in the container well. The side sill structures are of box tube and formed sheet construction of small enough width to permit carriage of newer, larger, sizes of intermodal cargo containers without the car or containers protruding outside the clearance available along most railroad lines.

Abstract: A liner for a cargo container and a method of installing a liner inside a cargo container. The liner comprises an inflatable body and left and right connecting strips that are connected to the liner body. The left connecting strip extends along and laterally projects outside a bottom left edge of the liner body, and the right connecting strip extends along and laterally projects outside a bottom right edge of the liner body. The liner is placed inside the container, with the left connecting strip positioned on the container floor adjacent the left side wall of the container, and with the right connecting strip positioned on the container floor adjacent the right side wall of the container. These two connecting strips are then releasably clamped to the container floor, for example by securely nailing wooden slats to the container floor, over the connecting strips. Also disclosed is a method of fluidizing a bulk cargo inside a lined cargo container to facilitate unloading the cargo from the container.

Abstract: A gooseneck truck trailer (13) including a hydraulic mechanism for longitudinally positioning a large cargo container (27) is disclosed. The hydraulic load positioning mechanism includes a horizontal bar (37) and a hydraulic actuator (65). The horizontal bar (37) is located near the rear of the trailer (13) and oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. The hydraulic actuator (65) lies along the longitudinal axis of the trailer (13). The hydraulic actuator (65) is oriented such that the outer end of the shaft (39) of the actuator (65) is attached to the bar (37) and the actuator housing is attached to the trailer (13), inwardly of the bar (37). The rear edge of a cargo container (27) to be transported by the trailer (13) is positioned atop, and attached to, the bar (37). The bar (37) and the forward end of the container (27) lie atop strips of low-friction material (63 and 73).

Abstract: An intermodal transport system designed for use in the hauling of semi-trailers by means of railway bogies. The system combines a turntable and spring-loaded chock design to enable the efficient loading and unloading of semi-trailers. A novel turntable design reduces bending stresses in transit while the combined chock reduces labor requirements during the loading and unloading processes since an automatic locking in place is achieved.

Abstract: A locking device for the transport of containers, in particular, lift-on lift-off containers which, by means of a lifting device, for example, a lift-on lift-off mechanism, can beloaded onto the back of a transport vehicle comprises adjusting elements arranged on the underside of the contain at the level of the container's loading surface, as well as arresting elements arranged on the loading surface. For each arresting element, an adjusting element associated with it is maintained in the in-transit position of the container. Adjusting elements and arresting elements are configured as reciprocally intermeshable form-fitting elements.

Abstract: A railroad car, for carrying shipping containers, having a car body with opposing side walls and an end wall near each end defining a well in which a container can be received; support for a container, when in the well, comprising a plurality of spaced metal reinforcing elements or castings joined to each side wall and spaced inwardly from the well end walls; and each casting being substantially L-shaped and having a substantially vertical leg joined at the bottom of a side wall and the casting having an arm extending laterally substantially horizontally inwardly toward the center of the car to aid in supporting a container in the well.

Abstract: A cargo pallet for use in loading and stowing relatively small wheeled cargo containers within the cargo bay of a cargo aircraft which is dimensioned to fit within the aircraft fuselage adjacent to the main cargo door and is provided with guide rails adjacent to its lateral edges, wherein at least one of the guide rails does not extend entirely along the edge, but has a gap to permit the wheeled containers to be rolled into the aircraft. The cargo pallet also has a removable center rail which is removed during loading and reinstalled to secure the final containers. Retractable side locks, located in the gap in the rail adjacent the main cargo door, are retracted during the loading operation to permit the containers to be loaded into the aircraft and extended to restrain the last loaded container, which is located adjacent to the main cargo door. The pallet is also provided with removable cargo stops to restrain the cargo containers in a fore-and-aft direction.

Abstract: A railway car comprises a center sill with a crossbearer, webs and end bolsters extending across thereof. A light side stiffener interconnects the projecting ends of said webs and spans between the bolster and the crossbearer. A shear plate covers a trapezoidal end frame extending from the bolster. The frame includes inclined braces buttressing a pair of cantilivered brackets projecting toward and horizontally overlapping similar brackets of the adjacent car.

Abstract: A multi-unit articulated railway freight car defining a container well in each of the several units, with container support members attached to the side sills of each unit to support standard intermodal cargo containers at a location low enough to permit a second tier of containers to be stacked atop a bottom tier without exceeding the maximum height restrictions of most main railroad lines, although ample clearance is preserved beneath the bottom of the car when fully loaded. Each container support member is constructed of thick plate steel of high strength, formed cold to include residual internal stresses in order to resist failure when subjected to the loads imposed by supporting loaded containers carried in the container well. The side sill structures are of box tube and formed sheet construction of small enough width to permit carriage of newer, larger, sizes of intermodal cargo containers without the car or containers protruding outside the clearance available along most railroad lines.

Abstract: A railroad car for transporting horizontal shipping containers includes (1) a vertical transition box from the car center sill to the end wall of a well portion capable of receiving one or more shipping containers, (2) car body bottom side sills in the form of an inserted T-member, (3) shear plates at the bottom ends of the well portion, (4) a longitudinal plate in the car body well portion bottom joined to a shear plate at each end, and (5) reinforcement of the car body central portion so that it can transport two end-to-end abutting containers in the well.