Geest goes with a swing
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• Dutch-based intermodal operator Geest has found a simple but ingenious solution to the problem of making legal use of 45ft shipping containers.
Geest originally built 250 45ft containers in 1996, making them 9ft high and 2.5m wide to suit Euro-pallet loading. But in September 1997 EU Directive 96/53 decreed that trailer dimensions must include a kingpin to rear length of no more than 12m, and a swing radius at the front of no more than 2.04m.
Until now it has not been possible to meet both of these requirements at the same time.
Geest's solution is the patented Geest Euro Casting, which effectively chamfers the front corners of the box, allowing it to comply with both demands at once. The result is the Palletwide Euro Container (PEC), and Geest already has 350 units in service. The company has also developed the PEC II lightweight version, which uses high-grade Swedish steel to achieve a tare weight of 3,990kg—less than the company's existing 40ft pallet width containers.
The containers made their debut at last week's Intermodal '98 Exhibition in Rotterdam, alongside Geest's Winglock front bolster for gooseneck chassis, which was also developed to comply with the requirements for front swing clearance.