What does the term "double stacking" refer to in trucking?

The term "double stacking" in trucking specifically refers to carrying two containers stacked on top of each other. This practice is commonly utilized in intermodal transportation, where containers are transported by multiple modes of transport—such as ship, rail, and truck.

Double stacking allows for more efficient use of space, as it maximizes the vertical height available in a shipping yard or on a train. This arrangement helps to increase the overall capacity of transport vehicles and containers, making shipping operations more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The ability to stack containers can significantly improve logistical efficiency and reduce transit times when moving freight.

Other possible interpretations of the term do not align with its widely accepted definition in the industry, such as transporting goods in double-decker trailers, which is a different concept that focuses on trailer design rather than container stacking. Carrying two drivers in the cab or stacking cargo within a single container does not accurately represent the term as it is understood in the context of containerized shipping.