Modelling Modern-era Containers Part 2: Domestic Containers

Domestic containers are an unusual beast and, as the name implies, they are used in ‘local’ Australian applications. They partially comply with ISO standards, but need to comply with other equipment interface standards. They can be unique and innovative in their design. Australian domestic containers are often referred to as ‘Series R’ containers and comply with Standards Australia requirements AS-3711 and AS-4615. ‘Series R’ containers do not necessarily comply with all ISO 6346 standard requirements, although the method of securing containers to freight wagons, trailers and other containers remains the same.

Australia has embraced a containerised supply chain and, as a result, an interesting collection of domestic containers operate on trains and trucks around the country.

Due to the large variety of domestic containers and operations, this article primarily looks at common intermodal container types as seen on interstate rail services, but — in some cases — will touch on exceptions to the ‘rule’ and other interesting domestic containers.

There are four broad freight categories, but some category overlap can occur:

• Palletised Freight. This is commonly consumer or wholesale focussed freight, or component or ingredient freight required for various manufacturing processes. This can include refrigerated consumer products.

• Bulk Loads. This normally consists of liquids, powders, concentrates, ores, wood chips, plastic pellets, sugar or minerals.

• Dimensional Load. This includes steel, pipe and timber products, vehicles, glass and large equipment.

• Custom Builds. This category includes accommodation blocks, mobile kitchens, garbage and fuel cells.

Domestic containers frequent large intermodal terminals, arriving and departing by truck, and commonly operating from state to state or pit to port with regards to some bulk loads.

The vast majority of domestic containers are now manufactured in China and delivered by ship to Australia, although Doric Engineering in Devonport Tasmania has manufactured domestic containers