Swap Body
A swap body is an interchangeable freight container that can be wholly separated from its carrier vehicle. It is designed to be easily transferred between different vehicles — such as trucks and trains — without the need to unload and reload the cargo inside. This significantly increases loading and unloading speeds.
A swap body resembles a typical freight container but differs from ISO shipping containers in several ways. Unlike ISO containers, swap bodies do not have upper corner fittings, making them non-stackable. They are lifted and handled from the bottom frame, often supported by folding legs that allow them to stand independently when detached from a vehicle. This feature enables quick swapping between trucks or between truck and rail without additional equipment, enhancing operational flexibility.
Swap bodies are lighter and often cheaper than standard ISO containers, which reduces transport costs and fuel consumption. They are widely used in Europe for combined transport, where goods need to be moved seamlessly between different transport modes. Horizontal transfer techniques also exist, where swap bodies are slid sideways between adjacent trucks and rail wagons, further speeding up the process in some regions.
The swap body functions by being a detachable, self-supporting container. Its main advantages include increased efficiency through reduced handling times, cost savings from optimized vehicle use, and environmental benefits by facilitating intermodal transport that reduces road congestion and emissions.
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