GREEN BAY, Wisc. — Schneider National Inc., a provider of transportation, logistics and related services, has debuted a new stackable intermodal container.

The new container, authorized for use on any railroad, was designed to be multi-modal, provide extra interior space and increase route flexibility. Schneider National worked with Stoughton Trailers and Wabash National to design the container to match the inside dimensions of a standard 53-foot trailer.

The company purchased 200 units that it is testing this fall with plans for full deployment in 2005.

Schneider National’s new intermodal container measures 53 feet in length and is 100 and three-eighths inches wide, making it comparable in size to a standard van trailer. It can accommodate 25 pinwheeled pallets and allows the potential for 10 to 15 percent more palletized cargo than standard intermodal containers. The stackable container measurements meet both highway and rail requirements for easy conversion from over-the-road to rail and for greater efficiency in loading and unloading.

Container features include:
Same load configuration as a van trailer
Ability to be double-stacked when used on the rail
High-durability, lightweight painted/galvanized steel that is rust-resistant to protect transport of food, garments and other sensitive cargo
Easy loading, reduced product damage and smooth, clean look of non-corrugated, plywood-free interior sidewalls
109 inch interior height for greater loading capacity
Authorization for use on any railroad

"In order to simplify intermodal logistics, our containers have the same load capacity as our 53-foot van trailers, allowing for easy conversion from over-the-road to rail,” said Brian Bowers, vice president and general manager of Intermodal, Schneider National Inc. “