Glossary

Swap Body

Definition

A swap body is a type of standardized, interchangeable freight container designed for efficient multimodal transportation. It is specifically engineered for easy transfer between different modes of transport such as trucks, trains, and ships, without the need to unload and reload the cargo. Swap bodies are typically equipped with strong, collapsible legs that allow them to stand independently when not mounted on a transport vehicle, facilitating quick and efficient exchanges between carriers.

— sennder Team

FAQ

While both swap bodies and standard shipping containers are used to transport cargo, there are some key differences between the two. Swap bodies are typically lighter and have a larger volume capacity than standard shipping containers. They also feature collapsible legs for easy loading and unloading, while standard containers rely on fixed corner castings for lifting and stacking.
The advantages of using swap bodies include: - Increased efficiency: Quick and easy transfer between transport modes reduces loading and unloading times. - Cost savings: Reduced handling times and the ability to optimize transport modes can lower overall transportation costs. - Flexibility: Swap bodies can be adapted for various types of cargo and customized to suit specific transportation requirements. - Reduced environmental impact: By facilitating intermodal transportation, swap bodies can help reduce road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
Swap bodies are suitable for a wide range of cargo, including palletized goods, bulk materials, and temperature-sensitive items. Some swap bodies are designed with specific features to accommodate specialized cargo, such as refrigerated units for perishable goods or curtain-sided units for easy side-loading and unloading.
Example or usage in road freight logistics

A logistics company is transporting a shipment of electronics from a manufacturing facility to a distribution center. To maximize efficiency and minimize costs, they decide to use a combination of truck and rail transportation. They load the cargo into a swap body, which is then mounted on a truck for the initial leg of the journey. Upon reaching the rail terminal, the swap body is quickly transferred onto a railcar, without the need to unload and reload the cargo. Once the train reaches its destination, the swap body is again transferred to a truck for the final leg of the journey to the distribution center.

Share this post
Keep reading