Abstract: The intermodal rail truck and coupling system for the coupling of two intermodal containers, two conventional rail cars, or an intermodal container and a conventional rail comprising a rail truck frame having a central longitudinal axis and wheel supports for rotatable securement of conventional rail wheels for use on conventional rails. Two conventional rail car coupler means are positioned at opposite ends of said frame along said longitudinal axis, and are vertically adjustable to a height equal to conventional rail car couplers which defines the load line of conventional rail cars, and are lowerable below that load line when not used. Two fifth-wheel pancake members are also positioned at opposite ends of said frame along said longitudinal axis and have means for receipt and pivotable securement of fifth-wheel kingpins of intermodal containers.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an elongated container which may be carried either by rail or on a highway by a conventional truck tractor. The container includes a pair of dolly engaging pins fixed to its floor at the opposite ends thereof. The pins are adapted to engage a fifth wheel mechanism mounted on a dolly having wheels thereon adapted to engage conventional railroad rails. The dolly includes two fifth wheel mechanisms, one for receiving the pin from one container and the other for receiving the pin from another container. Also mounted on the undersurface of the container is a fifth wheel carriage which is adapted to slide longitudinally with respect to the container and which is adapted to engage the fifth wheel mechanism of a conventional truck tractor. A pair of truck wheels are mounted on a carriage which can be mounted to the rear end of the container for use on a highway when being pulled by a truck tractor.