Car-in-a-box solution from Unit45 and Trans-Rak

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Intermodal specialist Unit45 BV of Rotterdam is now offering automotive logistics companies a range of 45 ft high-cube containers fitted with the Trans-Rak car transport system. Previously, Trans-Raks have only been fitted to 40 ft containers for deep-sea operations, but Unit45 is currently trialling a number of 45 ft, 2.5 m wide containers with its customers.

With the increased length of container, five VW Polo-sized cars (or four large cars) can be loaded into a single unit, while the extra width gives more space in which to work. The retractable Trans-Rak transport system is fitted inside a Unit45 container, and cars can be loaded either from ground or trailer deck level. Once the cars are unloaded at their destination, the Trans-Rak equipment is wound up into the roof space of the container, leaving it clear and ready to load general cargo.

Paul Donaldson, managing director of UK-based Trans-Rak International, commented: “For the first time in the history of car building, vehicle manufacturers can package their products in a box, close the doors and no longer worry about the condition of the car on arrival. Once the car is in its box, any transport company can provide the service. No special skills are required, no special policed compounds. In this sense, the change in infrastructure is quite revolutionary.”