Topic outline

  • Guide to Intermodal Shipping Containers

    Credits: 6 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course is based on a handbook published by the Department of Defense that provides guidance for the inspection of commercial and military intermodal containers. The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive guide for the inspection of intermodal containers. Intermodal containers are used for the transportation of cargo by land, sea, and air. The containers are typically constructed of steel, aluminum, or fiberglass reinforced plywood (FRP) and can be shipped as individual units or complexed together to form larger structures.

    The handbook provides detailed information on the inspection of containers, including structural components, surface corrosion, interior conditions, and other factors that affect container performance. The guidance is intended to ensure that containers are maintained in good condition, and to identify potential problems that could affect cargo safety and security during transportation. The course contains several chapters, each addressing specific aspects of container inspection, beginning with an introduction to intermodal containers, including their types and uses, as well as coverage of the different types of containers and their characteristics.

    Also covered is the inspection of container structural components, including corner fittings, side rails, end frames, and cross members, along with the inspection of the exterior of the container, including surface corrosion, paint, and decals, and of the interior of the container, including floors, walls, and ceilings. Additionally covered are the inspection of container doors, including end-opening, side-opening, and open-top covers. This includes inspecting container accessories, such as forklift pockets, tie-down rings, and ventilation systems, and container markings, including ISO markings, owner markings, and hazardous material markings. In summary, this course provides comprehensive guidance for the inspection of commercial and military intermodal containers, covering all aspects of container inspection, including structural components, surface corrosion, interior conditions, and other factors that could affect container performance.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to intermodal containers
    • Types of containers and their characteristics
    • Inspection of container structural components
    • Inspection of the exterior of the container
    • Inspection of the interior of the container
    • Inspection of container doors
    • Inspection of container accessories
    • Inspection of container markings
    • Checklist for container inspection

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: primarily for transportation, logistical, civil, construction, and other engineering professionals whose job description may require a general knowledge of intermodal shipping containers.
    Publication Source: USACE (US Army Corp of Engineers)

    Donald Parnell, PE