Method and apparatus to enhance intermodal containers for cargo transport

Method to enhance the transport capability of an intermodal container comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing an intermodal container having a floor, sides, at least one opening end, and longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes and having a plurality of longitudinally oriented rails mountable in pairs within the container above the container floor, said rails being vertically spaced from each other and generally parallel to each other, said rails being generally at right angles to the opening end of said container, said rails having ends and at least one of said ends being open adjacent the opening end of said container;
• (b) providing first and second cargo pallets, each having foot means, said foot means being complementary to said rails and capable of being inserted from outside said container onto the open ends of said rails and translated along said rails, said pallet being capable of engaging rails at various heights and angles with respect ot said rails;
• (c) placing cargo on said pallets outside said container;
• (d) lifting and inclining said cargo and pallets and inserting said foot means of said first pallet onto the rails;
• (e) moving said cargo and first pallet into said container;
• (f) independently inclining and lifting said cargo and said second pallet and inserting said second pallet's foot means onto said rails;
• (g) translating said pallets to a desired longitudinal position;
• and
• (h) securing said pallets with respect to said rails in a stowage position.