TRANSCENDING TRANSPORT Specialised Container Agencies’ intermodal side tipper bins can be used across different modes of transport, including road and rail
Niche market container products supplier Specialised Container Agencies (SCA) has developed an intermodal side tipper bin that provides efficient bulk handling rail solutions, encouraging greater use of rail wagon container haulage.
“SCA’s intermodal tipper bins ensure quick, safe and cost-effective bulk handling in rail and road applications,” says SCA director Ken Mouritzen. He adds that it is notable that this intermodal side tipper bin system increases payload on rail wagons – from 54 t to 60 t. A single tipper bin is able to hold 30 t for road transport.
An important feature of these intermodal side tipper bins is that they can be used across different modes of transport, including road and rail, without the need for investment in double handling cargo, he highlights. “This system is boosting the use of rail infrastructure, which significantly reduces transport costs, decreases national road congestion – which, in turn, leads to increased safety and decreased wear of road surfaces – and minimises product damage.”
Moreover, the intermodal side tipper can be loaded onto road transport for closed loop, short-haul operations. Road vehicles are then used to carry the tipper bin containing bulk material to the railhead. This means that cargo can be received in areas not serviced by rail, for example, at mines, terminals and ports.
For transporters, the benefits of using robust intermodal side tipper bins are lower operating costs and minimal cargo loss through the use of weatherproof tarpaulins to ensure product integrity during transport. Other advantages include easy handling of bulk, improved safety for drivers, vehicles and cargo, as well as reduced insurance premiums, Mouritzen concludes.