A log cradle container is a specialized, 20-foot (6.10 m) open top and open-ended, intermodal container designed for carrying (or cradling) logs.[1][2] This configuration allows it to be loaded from the open top by means of a loader[3] and the logs can protrude from the ends. Like a regular 20-foot container it has eight twistlocks. From where the container is loaded with logs it can be put unto a truck and then on a flat wagon after a short road trip. At the end of the train journey it may be put on a truck to continue to a further destination. The use of the container saves unloading the truck, loading the flat wagon, unloading the flat wagon and loading a truck. In other words it can be handled like any other intermodal container.
This container was designed jointly by KiwiRail and Royal Wolf.[4][5]