An Inter-Modal Container Unit is the short answer: a goods storage container for interstellar shipping.
The longer answer is -
An IMCU is custom-designed for CCS and meets and exceeds all Imperial Standards for Interstellar Shipping and transportation in the vacuum of space.
All CCS IMCUs are built on the AK103 Crater Class design, whether that be the original Mark I, or the current Mark VII with its modified and strengthened secure locking mechanism.
The Intermodal Container Unit comes in four standard sizes: 10, 20, 30, or 40 foot units.
Why foot and not metre?
Tradition, the 10 is 3.04m, the 20 is 6.096m, the 30 is 9.144m, and the 40 is 12.192m.
Each unit is based on the size 10 unit: a 20 is 2x 10 units plasma-welded together, a 30 is 3x size 10 units, and a 40 is 4x size 10 units.
For ultimate strength and durability, every unit is stress tested to ensure all weld points are stable.
Then each unit is pressure tested to ensure no leaks, and then vacuum tested to ensure structural integrity in a depressurised storage hold.
Every 5 shipping transits, every IMCU is removed from service, pressure-washed, and retested to ensure they are fit for service. Rarely does the AK103 design fail.
What makes the CCS IMCU service so special?
We like to think that each IMCU is unique in its own way.
Every IMCU has a TIN (Transport Identification Number), which is its fingerprint in our system and allows it to be tracked and traced to any location in our system.
We can tell where it came from on its last transit, and where it originated on its current journey, and identify its destination, ensuring it goes to the right place at the right time.
Every time an IMCU is loaded or unloaded, the TIN ensures it is on the right Cargo Carrier going to the desired destination.
Fun fact: Did you know that the AK103 Crater Class Cargo Container was named after a US Navy cargo ship of the Terran Second World War?
The Sculptor, which itself was named after the constellation of Sculptor, was the vessel in question.
The constellation of Sculptor is where the planet of Capsaa can be found, read the books in the Capsaa range of titles to find out more.
Do you need to purchase an IMCU model kit?
IMCU Model kits will be available on our companion website at servusadartem.com soon.
There is more than just IMCU kits on the website at SAA.
give it a browse and see what you can get.
(HINT: There is some free stuff on there, too!)
Even without the purchase of an InterModal Container Unit, you can create your own printable Manifest for your own IMCU.
Use the MANIFEST button and select your own manifest contents from a drop-down menu, even select your personalised delivery information and destination, in the same web form,
all with no purchase necessary, no sign-up, no payment, no email or opt-in requirements.
Just use the MANIFEST button above and complete what level of information you choose.
Later, we plan to allow, for a small additional handling fee, that you can reserve your own list and personalised destination information.
It includes a unique TIN, and this can only be done at the time of purchase.
No one else will have this number and information; it will be reserved just for your IMCU.
A QR code will be generated specifically for you using the Intermodal Container TIN
and your unique Manifest is accessible online at any time of the solar day or night.
This list will be available to view by scanning the QR code generated for your IMCU with the information you supply.
To access it, all you need is a smartphone with a QR scanner, a working camera, and an internet connection.
This will allow you to access the manifest list at any time of the night or day, from any planet.
You can, of course, generate a free-to-download Manifest list by selecting the MANIFEST button above,
create your content, store the list on your own device as a PDF file, or print it from your printer.
You don't need to buy a 3D printed IMCU from us, just fill in the same web form, download it, or print it,
but … the data is not saved or stored online, and the TIN is not unique to you,
once you close the page, the data is gone. If you did not save it, you will have to recreate it.