Intermodal transport system for freight

Abstract

A system is provided for the integration offreight transportation from the producers work site to the freight carrier, including any intermediate carriers using carriers adapted for carrying motor vehicles. The system of the invention allows a producer to load a module at the work site, move the module directly from the work site to a vehicle carrier for a return trip, which it would normally make empty, carrying general freight. The present system adapts vehicle carriers for carrying general freight by utilizing a portable module that is carried by the vehicle carrier in substantially the same way as a vehicle to carry general freight. The system of the invention is applicable both to rail vehicle carriers and ships especially adapted for carrying vehicles as well as to over-the-road vehicle carriers. The base of the module is substantially the same length and width as the motor vehicles normally transported by the vehicle carrier and it is provided with at least one set of wheels for portability and for allowing of the module to be loaded onto a vehicle carrier by moving the module onto the carrier with a suitable tractor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.