Abstract: A method for designing a main body of a trailer, trailer chassis, or like transportable load-supporting system includes selecting a known design of a transportable load-supporting system's main frame. The method includes developing a monocoque main beam having moments of inertia that are respectively greater than or substantially equal to the moments of inertia of the known main frame. Deflections of the known main frame and of the monocoque main beam in response to application of a torsional load, a vertical load, and a lateral load are then determined. Cross-members can be added to the monocoque main beam until the deflection of the monocoque main beam is less than or substantially the same as the deflection of the known main frame. A monocoque main beam designed according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intermodal container includes a supporting frame having a rectangular base; a first pair of upright posts extending upwardly from the rectangular base; and a first cross-beam coupling the first pair of upright posts. A second pair of upright posts extends upwardly from the rectangular base proximate an opposite end thereof, and a second cross-beam couples the second pair of upright posts. A longitudinally extending connector beam has a first end coupled to the first cross-beam, and a second end coupled to the second cross-beam. The intermodal container further includes a plurality of panels, and each panel is made of fiber reinforced plastic and insulation foam that have been integrally molded together. The panels are coupled to the supporting frame and serve as side walls, end wall, roof, and floor of the container. A method for constructing an intermodal container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for transporting cargo includes a cargo deck and a dunnage device for securing a load to the cargo deck. The dunnage device includes an elongated tubular body having an interior space. A transverse wall is positioned within the interior space of the tubular body. The elongated tubular body is adapted to be positioned on the cargo deck.

Abstract: A twistlock assembly includes a twistlock having a housing extending along a twistlock axis. A pin is coupled to the housing at a location lateral to the twistlock axis and extends along a pin axis. A pin supporting member is arranged coaxially with the pin, which is slideable along the pin axis with respect to the supporting member. The supporting member is coupled to a shipping unit proximate a female fitment having an aperture. By sliding the pin along the pin axis and rotating the twistlock around the pin axis, the twistlock is moved from a use position in which the twistlock axis is aligned with the aperture and the twistlock is seated on the fitment, to a stowed position in which the twistlock axis is located laterally with respect to the aperture and the twistlock is coupled to the shipping unit by way of the pin and supporting member.

Abstract: A method for designing a main body of a trailer, trailer chassis, or like transportable load-supporting system includes selecting a known design of a transportable load-supporting system's main frame. The method includes developing a monocoque main beam having moments of inertia that are respectively greater than or substantially equal to the moments of inertia of the known main frame. Deflections of the known main frame and of the monocoque main beam in response to application of a torsional load, a vertical load, and a lateral load are then determined. Cross-members can be added to the monocoque main beam until the deflection of the monocoque main beam is less than or substantially the same as the deflection of the known main frame. A monocoque main beam designed according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A twistlock assembly includes a twistlock having a housing extending along, a twistlock axis. A pin is coupled to the housing at a location lateral to the twistlock axis and extends along a pin axis. A pin supporting member is arranged coaxially with the pin, which is slideable along the pin axis with respect to the supporting member. The supporting member is coupled to a shipping unit proximate a female fitment having an aperture. By sliding the pin along the pin axis and rotating the twistlock around the pin axis, the twistlock is moved from a use position in which the twistlock axis is aligned with the aperture and the twistlock is seated on the fitment, to a stowed position in which the twistlock axis is located laterally with respect to the aperture and the twistlock is coupled to the shipping unit by way of the pin and supporting member.

Abstract: A system for transporting cargo includes a cargo deck and a dunnage device for securing a load to the cargo deck. The dunnage device includes an elongated tubular body having an interior space. A transverse wall is positioned within the interior space of the tubular body. The elongated tubular body is adapted to be positioned on the cargo deck.

Abstract: A dunnage device for securing a load to a cargo deck includes an elongated tubular body having an interior space. A transverse wall is positioned within the interior space of the tubular body. The elongated tubular body is adapted to be positioned on the cargo deck.

Abstract: An intermodal container includes a supporting frame having a rectangular base; a first pair of upright posts extending upwardly from the rectangular base; and a first cross-beam coupling the first pair of upright posts. A second pair of upright posts extends upwardly from the rectangular base proximate an opposite end thereof, and a second cross-beam couples the second pair of upright posts. A longitudinally extending connector beam has a first end coupled to the first cross-beam, and a second end coupled to the second cross-beam. The intermodal container further includes a plurality of panels, and each panel is made of fiber reinforced plastic and insulation foam that have been integrally molded together. The panels are coupled to the supporting frame and serve as side walls, end wall, roof, and floor of the container. A method for constructing an intermodal container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible intermodal flat rack features a cargo deck with first and second arches pivotally mounted to the cargo deck. Each arch is provided with a crank mechanism including a gearbox having an input shaft and an output shaft. The output shaft is attached to the corresponding arch so that the arch may be moved between a storage position, where a top portion of the arch is located adjacent to the cargo deck, and a use position, where the top portion of the arch is elevated from the cargo deck, by actuation of the input shaft.

Abstract: A dunnage device for securing a load to a cargo deck includes an elongated tubular body having an interior space. A transverse wall is positioned within the interior space of the tubular body. The elongated tubular body is adapted to be positioned on the cargo deck.