Intermodal transport of closed containers is a suitable replacement for the old break bulk cargo method. It was so tiring and time-consuming for shipping and logistics companies and involved hiring labor for loading and unloading tasks of small packages in trains, trailers, ships, or trucks.

The old process had too many issues, such as constant loss of goods and items while in transit because offloaders and loaders could access the contents and slow loading and unloading of cargo. Logistics companies have started to create containers to replace the old packaging methods.

Towards the end of the 19th century or early 20th century, closed containers emerged to help move goods in transit and on rail. England was the best example of countries that first used large containers to move cargo in ships and rail. The USA made steel containers to ship war supplies and ammunition during World War 11.

1931 was the year of the first container ship, followed by the first transport intermodal standards for containers in 1933. Most logistics companies saw the need to develop larger shipping containers in the 1950s for easy transportation of equipment, machinery, and goods of whichever size and weight. In the 1960s, intermodal shipping for smooth container moving facilitated sea freight shipments.

Afterward, rail and ship intermodal container transport became famous because of reduced transportation costs. In the 1970s, inventors preferred the double-stack cars, which became more popular by 1984 for container moving.

Intermodal transport is now more efficient because it facilitates freight shipping and encourages exporting of goods through different modes, including road, rail, sea, and air. The widely used containers in the shipping company range from 20-foot long to 52-foot long units and are 8 feet high.