Systems and methods for loading, transporting, unloading, and sorting electromagnetic shipping containers using magnetized levitation. The system picks up, rotates, levitates, and propels the electromagnetic shipping containers across a receiving and sorting port. The receiving and sorting port is used to receive and sort shipping containers. The receiving and sorting port includes a container crane for handling multiple shipping containers, simultaneously. The container crane has a spreader that picks up multiple electromagnetic shipping containers at once, including ten-wide set of containers. The electromagnetic shipping container has a first and second set of magnets that work to levitate and propel the containers along a magnetized rail. The magnets repel the force from the magnetized rail, thereby levitating the electromagnetic shipping container. A sortation hub rotates and groups containers according to delivery needs. A surplus yard holds shipping containers during the sorting process. A modular chassis can attach to the shipping containers.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is embodied in a rack system. The rack system includes a first stackable rack and a second stackable rack. The first stackable rack includes a top ceiling, a bottom surface, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The second stackable rack includes a top ceiling, a bottom surface, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a shelf. The top ceiling, the bottom surface, the first sidewall, the second sidewall and the shelf of the second stackable rack define a first compartment and a second compartment. The bottom surface of the first stackable rack is slidably coupled with the top ceiling of the second stackable rack.

A container support for engaging and abutting a roller of a container for ground protection. A heptagonal sleeve is connected to a base, the sleeve including a medial section, a pair of angled portions, each angled portion upstanding angularly from the medial section, each angled portion transitioning into a vertical portion, and each vertical portion transitioning into a lip portion, thereby forming a pair of lip portions, wherein each lip portion angles toward a geometric center of the sleeve. As such, the lip portion is adapted to engage and abut a roller of a container. Further included are a pair of handles, each handle connected to the distal section at the base front edge, and each handle connected to the exterior surface of the sleeve. Each handle is generally rectangular and has a slot defined therein to aid in grasping and placement of the container support.

An apparatus, a vehicle and a method for securing intermodal cargo containers is provided. Couplers include pins and bottom supports to engage apertures and bottom surfaces of corner fittings for intermodal cargo containers. The couplers may also include sidewall supports to engage forward facing side surfaces of the corner fittings. The pins, bottom supports, and sidewall supports hold an intermodal cargo container in place through a relatively large range of acceleration forces without damaging the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers. The couplers are selectively movable from a retracted position to an extended position to engage the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers.

A transport container for transporting a hub and vanes of a fan prior to assembly of the fan includes a body having a floor and defining an interior having a top opening. The transport container also includes a lid that removably covers the top opening. A divider wall is positioned within the interior so that the interior is divided into first and second internal compartments that hold the vanes of the fan. A hub post is positioned within the interior of the body. The hub post has a bottom end portion attached to the floor and a top end portion that is inserted into a central opening of the hub of the fan.

A shipping container is configured to transport goods from a distribution center, to a retail location, and onto the sales floor of the retail location. The shipping container glides on wheels and is stackable. The shipping container is configured to receive forklift forks from multiple sides. At least one of the channels includes a surrounding framework to safeguard against tilting. The lid is selectively mountable in two orientations to close the container or to provide handles for propelling and/or steering the shipping container. An expandable storage location for empty packaging is provided at an exterior of the shipping container.

A door for a smart shipping container includes a door that has an outside skin strengthened by at least one hollow support beam defining an interior channel thereof. The door also includes embedded computing system disposed within the interior channel of the hollow support beam of the door. The embedded computing system includes a power source, memory, at least one processor, communications circuitry, an antenna and one or more sensors. Optionally, a window is defined in the hollow support beam so as to permit access by the antenna to an exterior of the door. For example, the window can be a three-sided window so as to permit access by the antenna to the exterior of the door irrespective of an opened or closed position of the door.

An improved automated inventory system is herein disclosed. The improved automated system (AIS) can comprise an enclosure for storing one or more items, one or more RFID readers, and a control system. Each of the items are tagged with an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag. The enclosure can comprise a plurality of of interior surfaces that defines an interior space within said enclosure. The enclosure can also comprise one or more access points within the interior surfaces that allow access to the items within the enclosure. Each of the RFID readers can be capable of reading the RFID tag. The control system can be in communication with the one or more RFID readers.

A tank for bulk material storage and transport and method for producing same. In an embodiment, a tank is provided that includes a shell having a sidewall, a neck including a first collar, and a tube terminating in a second collar. A frustoconical cap may be secured to the first collar. A substantially conical cap may be secured to the second collar. A liner may be applied to the shell so that the liner substantially covers an interior surface of the sidewall, an interior surface of the neck, at least a portion of the first collar, an interior surface of the tube, and at least a portion of the second collar. Annular thickened segments may be trimmed to prepare the tank for use. The annular thickened segments may be located at an interior joint between the frustoconical cap and the first collar, and/or an interior joint between the substantially conical cap and the second collar. The trimming step may form first and second sealing surfaces of the liner adjacent respectively to the first and second collars. The first and second sealing surfaces may respectively be configured to substantially seal against a manway cover and an outlet cover. In a final, assembled preferred form, the frustoconical and substantially conical caps are replaced with the manway assembly and outlet cover, respectively sealed against the first and second sealing surfaces.

A stackable cargo container apparatus has a frame assembly formed by interconnected structural members, a substantially planar base, interconnecting side walls and at least one personnel access door. At least one lifting harness member of unitary or singular construction is operationally attached to the frame assembly, and permits lifting of the cargo container apparatus from its bottom and away from welds or other possible weak points. An integrated cargo weight measurement assembly permits quick and efficient determination of cargo weight placed on the planar base, and includes a digital display or other output device.