What Intermodal Solutions Group does

Intermodal Solutions Group (ISG) is an Australian industrial equipment company headquartered in Sydney that designs, patents, and supplies specialised bulk shipping containers and an integrated Containerised Bulk Handling (CBH) system for the mining, grain, and fertiliser industries. The company's core technology is a portfolio of patented rotating containers (mineral concentrate, ore, heavy-duty high-cycle, multipurpose with removable walls, high cube, rear tipping, and half-height variants) that interface with tippler/spreader systems — particularly the RAM Revolver — to enable fully enclosed, dust-free discharge into ship holds. A defining technical asset is the patented lid-lifting system, which automatically locks, unlocks, and removes container lids during rotation, combined with BK2/ADG7/IMDG dangerous goods certifications, FEA-validated engineering, and bespoke Hempel anti-corrosion coatings.

ISG also pioneered the FLEXITOP retractable tarpaulin system (open/close in under 10 seconds versus 30 minutes for standard open tops), and supplies container trailers, blending and ship-crane integration services, and custom engineering design for mining-to-port logistics chains. Customers include blue-chip mining operators (OZ Minerals, MMG Las Bambas, CODELCO, Cristal Mining, Rio Tinto, Exxaro, YPFB), port terminals (Puerto TGN, TIMSA Manzanillo, Puerto Angamos, ATI, Iquique TI), and remediation/biomass operators (Roche, Riga Universal Terminal). Revenue is generated through a mix of one-time container sales (CAPEX), recurring leasing arrangements (OPEX, e.g., CS Leasing in Chile), hardware sales of trailers, and engineering/professional services for project-specific design. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales from Australia with an exclusive/nonexclusive agent network spanning 12+ countries across Latin America, Africa, North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Name

Intermodal Solutions Group

Legal name

Intermodal Solutions Group

Website

https://pittoship.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Intermodal Solutions Group (ISG) is an Australian manufacturer and patent-holder of specialised rotating bulk containers and the Containerised Bulk Handling (CBH) system, supplying dust-free mine-to-port shipping solutions to blue-chip mining, grain, and fertiliser operators globally through direct sales and an agent network spanning 12+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Bulk Shipping Containers

NAICS

Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing (33392), Warehousing and Storage (493), Marine Cargo Handling (48832)

SIC

Metal Shipping Barrels, Drums, Kegs & Pails (3412)

akta.pro primary industry

Bulk & Industrial Storage (Tank, Silo, Drum, IBC) (TLAIACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bulk Material Handling Systems (Belt Conveyors, Feeders, Stackers, Reclaimers) (IMAHABAH), Project Cargo Packing, Crating & Securing (Lashing/Dunnage) (TLAIAKAJ), Bulk Hazmat (Dry) Transport (e.g., oxidizers, solid toxics) (TLADAIAA)

Keywords

• Bulk shipping containers
• Containerised bulk handling
• Mining logistics equipment
• Mineral concentrate containers
• Intermodal freight systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Sydney

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Container Sales (CAPEX): ISG sells custom-designed rotating and non-rotating bulk containers to mining, grain, and port operators. Containers are sold as capital expenditure (CAPEX) items. Customers include OZ Minerals (1,400 copper concentrate containers), MMG Las Bambas (1,200 containers), Cristal Mining (1,750 containers), and many others. Containers are built to specific project requirements (payload, dimensions, lid type, certifications).
2. Container Leasing (OPEX): ISG offers container leasing options, allowing customers to treat container procurement as operational expenditure rather than capital expenditure. Rail companies (e.g., CS Leasing in Chile) and mining companies lease containers. This lowers barriers to adoption and provides recurring revenue through lease agreements.
3. Tippler/Spreader Equipment Sales: ISG's Containerised Bulk Handling system integrates with tippler equipment (e.g., RAM Revolver spreaders) for rotating container discharge. While tipplers are supplied by RAM Spreaders, ISG's patented lid lifting system is compatible with these tipplers and forms part of the integrated system offering.
4. Container Trailers Supply: ISG supplies a range of trailers to suit bulk mining and grain containers, allowing maximum payload with tippler-friendly containers. Trailers are supplied in the same tender for each project, making ISG a one-stop shop.
5. Engineering and Consulting Services: ISG provides engineering design services for custom container solutions, blending systems, and logistics chain design. The engineering team, headed by Matthew Chalmers, designs containers for specific commodities and operational requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ISG designs, manufactures, and supplies specialised rotating and non-rotating bulk shipping containers for the mining, grain, fertiliser, biomass, and remediation industries under its Containerised Bulk Handling (CBH) / Pit to Ship Solutions platform. Its patented lid-lifting system enables dust-free discharge of dry bulk cargo directly into ship hulls via tippler spreaders (e.g., RAM Revolver). Containers are sold (CAPEX) or leased (OPEX) and are certified to IMO IMDG BK2 and ADG7 dangerous goods standards for intermodal road-rail-sea transport.

Product overview

Intermodal Solutions Group (ISG) is a global provider of Containerised Bulk Handling (CBH) solutions for the mining, grain, and fertiliser industries, operating under the 'Pit to Ship Solutions' brand. The product portfolio centers on specialized bulk shipping containers designed for tippler/rotating spreader discharge, enabling dust-free, sealed transport from mine to ship. The core product line includes rotating containers (high cube, heavy duty high cycle, multipurpose high cycle, mineral concentrate, ore, and rear tipping variants), non-rotating bulk containers (Flexitop, half height, side tipping, copper concentrate, waste/remediation), and specialized commodity containers (coal, grain, nickel, sulphur, salt, iron ore, mineral sands, coke/anode). These are complemented by the patented lid lifting system, CBH system integration, ships crane solutions, blending services, and container trailers. The integrated CBH platform replaces conventional conveyor belts and storage sheds, offering CAPEX (container purchase) or OPEX (container leasing) models with load rates up to 1,200 tonnes per hour per crane. ISG operates globally with agents in South Africa, Tanzania, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Kenya, USA, Canada, and strong presence in Australia and New Zealand.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CONTAINERTIPP: Hybrid container brand featuring rear tipping capability combined with rotational tippler compatibility for flexible discharge options.
• FLEXITOP
• Heavy Duty High Cycle Containers

Products and services

• Rotating Containers ISG's flagship line of open-top bulk containers designed for 360-degree rotation via tippler/spreader systems for dust-free discharge into ship hulls. Includes high cube, heavy duty high cycle, multipurpose high cycle, mineral concentrate, ore, and rear tipping variants for mining, grain, fertiliser and bulk commodity operators.
• Mineral Concentrate Containers Open-top rotating containers designed for copper, lead, gold, zinc, nickel, and lithium concentrates. Feature internal ice-cube shape, curved gussets in all corners, tapered side and end walls for minimum product hang-up, patented removable hard lid, anti-abrasion coating, and certification to BK2 IMO and ADG7 dangerous goods standards. Over 15,000 units produced globally.
• Heavy Duty High Cycle Rotating Containers High-payload rotating containers (up to 42,000 kg) designed for 100 to 1,000+ load cycles in Shed-to-Ship operations. Achieve 20-30 loads per hour per crane and load rates of 1,000-1,200 tonnes per hour. A fleet of 25 containers can load 30,000 tonnes of cargo into Panamax-size vessels. Certified to BK2 IMO dangerous goods code.
• Multipurpose High Cycle Rotating Containers ISG's patented rotating containers with removable internal walls enabling use with both high-density cargo (using central compartment to avoid overloading) and low-density cargo (using full container volume). Designed for Shed-to-Ship operations, achieving up to 1,200 tonnes per hour loading rates.
• Ore Rotating Containers Heavy-duty open-top rotating containers for high-density dry bulk cargo such as iron ore with payloads up to 42,000 kg. Feature tapered side walls, anti-abrasion internal paint, certification to BK2 IMDG code, FEA testing to 10 years' service life, and stackability when loaded.
• Rear Tipping Rotating Containers Hybrid containers combining rotating tippler discharge with rear tipping capability. Enables containers to receive import cargo from vessels and deliver to customers, then load export cargo for tippler discharge, supporting two-way logistics flows. BK2 IMDG certified.
• High Cube Rotating Containers Open-top high cube rotating containers for low-density dry bulk cargo (grains, urea, sulphur, biomass) with 35 m³ internal cubic capacity. Certified for BK2 IMO requirements and IMDG dangerous goods code. Feature waterproof removable hard lid and special flow gussets.
• FLEXITOP Containers ISG-pioneered retractable tarp open top containers featuring a sliding tarpaulin that opens and closes within 10 seconds (versus 30 minutes for standard open tops). Watertight and suitable for road and rail. Used extensively for coal and grain transport in Australia and New Zealand.
• Half Height Containers Multi-purpose 1,450 mm high containers for dense cargo (mineral sands, salt, iron ore) that can be double-stacked in standard 20' container slots. Feature rear doors with swing header, tipping hatch, hard lids, and IMDG BK2 certification for dangerous cargo.
• Copper Concentrate Containers Global market-leading open-top half-height containers for copper concentrate. First globally certified to BK2 IMO and ADG7 dangerous goods code. Feature curved gussets, tapered walls, pioneering auto-locking lid, anti-abrasion coating. 1,400 units supplied to OZ Minerals (January 2012).
• Remediation Bulk Containers Sealed containers for contaminated soil and hazardous waste remediation projects. IMDG BK2 compliant, AAR tested for US rail, DOT compliant, with watertight barn-style rear doors. Hook-lift compatible with optional underside rollers for direct delivery to disposal sites.
• Side Tipping Containers Containers with side hatches designed for use with side tipping trailers. Compatible with truck tilting machines, with optional pneumatic/hydraulic hatch actuation controllable from the truck cabin. Fully intermodal with half-height or custom heights available.
• Nickel Concentrate Containers High cubic capacity containers for lower-density products such as nickel concentrate and coal. Fitted with removable hard lid, tested and certified to BK, IMDG, and ADG7 requirements for dangerous cargo transport. 1,000 units supplied to Queensland Nickel/Vale (2012).
• Sulphur Concentrate Containers Specialized containers for sulphur concentrate transport, part of ISG's mineral concentrate container line.
• Salt Shipping Containers Specialized containers for salt transport, part of ISG's bulk commodity container range.
• Iron Ore Containers Heavy-duty purpose-built containers for iron ore and concentrates. Designed for tippler operation (180-degree rotation) with waterproof removable hard lids and payloads up to 35,000 kg. Custom heights available.
• Grain Shipping Containers Containers for grain transport (wheat and other crops) featuring FLEXITOP retractable tarpaulin system, smooth internal walls, large tipping hatch with grain locks, and sampling ports for product testing without opening.
• Coal Shipping Containers Containers for coal and dense products featuring FLEXITOP retractable tarpaulin system. Custom built for KIWI RAIL in New Zealand.
• Coke & Anode Bulk Shipping Container Unique containers designed for XTRATA mines in Queensland, transporting coke and coal one way and copper anodes on the return leg. Feature 3mm smooth internal walls, 5mm steel floor, heavy duty anode racks, and side access doors.
• Mineral Sands Containers Containers for mineral sands transport, part of ISG's specialized bulk commodity range.
• Multi-Purpose Shipping Container with Hard Lid (20' Pallet Wide) 20' pallet wide container suitable for both bulk products and palletised freight. Features smooth internal walls, large tipping hatch, rear doors, pallet wide design accommodating ten pallets, heavy lift pockets, steel floor, and removable hard lid operated from the ground.

Quantifiable outcome

• Saving over USD 20 million per project vs. storage shed alternatives
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• SCR (Servicios de Carga Remota)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2016SCR, established in 1988 in Mexico City, serves as exclusive Mexican agents for ISG's Containerised Bulk Handling (CBH) system since 2016. SCR provides specialised services to the port industry across Latin America including Panama, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras, and Bahamas. Operations launched at TIMSA Port in Manzanillo in 2017 with two tipplers and 140 containers, expanding to four tipplers and 340 containers by 2019.
• CIMC (China International Marine Container)majorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2014Joint work between Australian ISG engineering and Chinese manufacturer CIMC for the MMG Las Bambas project. CIMC manufactured the containers to ISG's engineering specifications. This partnership enables large-scale manufacturing of ISG-designed containers.
• VS&B Container GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVS&B Container Group appointed as exclusive agents in India. VS&B has an excellent reputation in India and is positioned to assist ISG grow its business in the Indian region.
• RAM SpreaderscoreTechnology or IntegrationISG works closely with RAM Spreaders globally. RAM Spreaders supplies the tippler (rotating spreader), trade named the Revolver because of its fast turning action. ISG's patented lid lifting system is designed to integrate with RAM Revolver tipplers for automatic lid lifting and container rotation inside ship hulls.
• HempelmajorTechnology or IntegrationWorldwide coating manufacturer Hempel has painted over 20,000 ISG mining containers over an 8-year partnership. Over 1.5 million litres of paint applied (Hempadur Multi-Strength 45751 and Hempadur Conterior 47751 coatings). The 20,000th coating was completed in January 2020. Hempel designed a custom coating system for heavy-usage containers operating globally.
• Austrade (Australian Trade and Investment Commission)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerAustrade featured ISG in a profile for its role in transforming bulk mineral concentrate logistics. The feature covers ISG's sealed container system and rollout across Chile, Mexico, Peru, and India, with Puerto TGN in Antofagasta highlighted as the world's first fully automated copper concentrate export terminal.
• Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerISG is an active member and Premium Event Partner of the Australia-Latin America Business Council. Participated as Premium Event Partner at the ALABC Mining Dinner in Santiago, Chile (April 2024). ALABC organised events with SOFOFA bringing together industry leaders from Australia and Chile.
• CS Leasing (CSL)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCS Leasing (CSL) provides container leasing for ISG containers in Chile. The rail company leased ISG containers making procurement an OPEX rather than CAPEX. CSL enables mining companies to access ISG containers without large upfront capital investment.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Metso: Metso (formerly Metso Outotec) is a global leader in mining and bulk material handling equipment, including conveyor systems, crushing, and grinding equipment. They are a broad incumbent offering traditional bulk handling infrastructure that competes with ISG's CBH system for the same mining customer capex budgets.
• Terex Corporation: Terex manufactures material handling equipment including cranes, port equipment, and bulk handling systems for mining and construction. Their port equipment and material handling divisions compete with ISG for the same mining port terminal capex dollars.
• FLSmidth: FLSmidth supplies engineered equipment and services to the global mining and cement industries, including bulk material handling systems. They compete with ISG's CBH offering through their material handling product lines targeting mining operators.
• Sandvik: Sandvik is a global engineering group serving mining and infrastructure markets with rock processing, mining equipment, and material handling solutions. They are a broad incumbent providing traditional bulk handling and underground mining equipment alternatives.
• Cargotec (Hiab, Kalmar, MacGregor): Cargotec's MacGregor division provides marine cargo handling and load systems for ports and ships, including bulk carrier solutions. They compete with ISG's CBH system for port loading infrastructure investments at mining export terminals.
• Konecranes: Konecranes manufactures lifting equipment, cranes, and material handling solutions for ports, terminals, and industrial facilities. Their port solutions division competes with ISG's CBH system when mining customers evaluate port loading equipment options.

Emerging players

• CIMC (China International Marine Containers): CIMC is the world's largest container manufacturer and ISG's manufacturing partner for major projects like Las Bambas. CIMC has the engineering capability and scale to design competing bulk mining containers, and as ISG's production partner, they gain technical knowledge that could enable them to enter the market directly.
• Stoughton Trailers: Stoughton is a North American manufacturer of intermodal container chassis and trailers. While focused on road transport equipment, their container chassis overlap with ISG's trailer supply business and they could expand into specialized bulk mining trailers.
• Boss Plow / WABASH NATIONAL: WABASH NATIONAL manufactures trailers and transportation equipment including intermodal and bulk transport solutions. Their diversified product portfolio overlaps with ISG's container trailer supply business for mining customers.

Direct peers

• RAM Spreaders: RAM Spreaders manufactures the Revolver rotating tippler/spreader that integrates directly with ISG's containers. They are ISG's closest technical partner and potentially the most direct competitor since they could offer competing rotating bulk handling systems.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Intermodal Solutions Group