What is a Contrail? What is its purpose?
Contrail is a 12’ wide x 40’ long cargo carrier platform designed to containerize out-of-gauge cargo. Imagine a container without walls that can be handled like a standard ISO container, in the terminal or on the vessel. The Contrail comes equipped with integrated ramps for easy roll-on and roll-off of wheeled and tracked vehicles. Contrail can be lifted by conventional handling equipment and stowed below deck without vessel modification. The unit can also be handled with emergency gear in ports not equipped with gantry cranes.

What types of cargo can the Contrail handle?
Contrail was specifically designed to handle over-dimensional cargo including, but not limited to, trucks, buses, boats, military vehicles, highway trailers and construction equipment.

How much cargo weight can a Contrail unit handle?
The standard Contrail unit can handle 55,110 lbs. gross vehicle weight, while the heavy-duty Contrail unit can handle 60,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight.

How much does the Contrail weigh (tare weight)?
A standard-duty Contrail unit weighs approximately 18,740 lbs.

How does it go below deck?
The Contrail is designed with openings which coincide with the spacing on the cell guides within a ship’s hold.

Can a loaded Contrail be stowed above deck?
Yes.  One loaded Contrail unit can be stacked on top of containers.

Can you stack loaded Contrail units? Empty Contrail® units? How many?
This depends on the scenario:

Do Contrail units come in different sizes?
Yes. Contrail units can be modified to meet customer requirements.

Does the Contrail require any special handling equipment?
No. You can handle Contrail in the same way as a standard container.

Can you lift a 12’-wide Contrail with a standard spreader?
Yes. The unit is equipped with corner castings in the center of the unit that allow a standard 96”-wide spreader to lift the Contrail.

Can you move a Contrail over the road?
No. The Contrail is designed for terminal use only and is transported around the terminal on a Mafi.

Do the legs fold? How high can the legs extend?
Yes. The legs fold down for transport and stacking purposes. Leg height depends on the model. Overall height of a fixed-leg 12’-wide unit is 12’-9”.

Can you raise and lower both legs to accommodate cargoes?
The standard unit has one end frame where the header can be raised up to 13’-9” to accommodate the loading of oversized equipment.

Compared to a container, how tall and wide is the Contrail?
The height of two (2) Contrails is equal to three (3) low-cube containers. The width of two (2) Contrails is equal to the width of three (3) low-cube containers. When folded, the height of two (2) Contrails is equal to one (1) low-cube container. This helps create an optimal stow plan with minimum space loss.

Can specialized Contrail units be built?
Currently we offer the 12’ by 40’ units for purchase or lease. However, we are always willing to discuss alternative models to meet individual customer needs.

Can we get a Contrail in our company color?
Yes.

How long will it take to get a Contrail unit?
Contrail units are built to order. Delivery depends upon customer specifications and destination.

How much does a Contrail cost?
Prices vary based on the length of the lease period and optional equipment.