EN 284:2006
(Main)Swap bodies - Non-stackable swap bodies of class C - Dimensions and general requirements
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies basic requirements for non-stackable swap bodies of class C, having a gross mass of not more than 16 t.
NOTE 1 "Swap bodies of class C" means that they are equipped with bottom fittings positioned according to the specification for 1 C (20') ISO containers (see ISO 668).
NOTE 2 Stackable swap bodies class C are specified in CEN/TS 13853.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 17-Oct-2006
- Withdrawal Date
- 29-Apr-2007
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 119 - Swap bodies for combined goods transport
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 119/WG 6 - Intermodal Loading Units
- Current Stage
- 9060 - Closure of 2 Year Review Enquiry - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 02-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 02-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 284:2006 is a key European standard developed by CEN for non-stackable swap bodies of class C used in combined road and rail transport. This standard specifies dimensions, strength, design, and general requirements for swap bodies with a gross mass not exceeding 16 tonnes. Designed for efficient intermodal transportation, non-stackable class C swap bodies conform to the bottom fitting locations of 1C (20-foot) ISO containers (as per ISO 668), but are not intended for stacking or for container ship transport. EN 284:2006 ensures compatibility and safety across European transport networks, supporting streamlined handling and secure goods movement.
Key Topics
Scope and Definitions
- Applies to non-stackable swap bodies of class C, max gross mass 16 t
- Class C swap bodies feature bottom corner fittings per ISO container specification
Dimensions and Ratings
- External dimensions and tolerances standardized for transport interoperability
- No part of the swap body may exceed defined external measurements
Strength and Design Requirements
- Structural strength requirements refer to EN 283
- Essential features include bottom fittings, grappler arm lifting areas, and a steering tunnel for compatibility with handling equipment
- Support legs must be foldable, secure in both operational and folded positions, and equipped with safety devices
Optional Features
- Fork-lift pockets for additional handling flexibility
- Tarpaulin and curtainsider options, with requirements per EN 12641-1 and EN 12641-2
- Provision for cargo securing devices conforming to EN 12640 and EN 12642
Marking and Identification
- Standardized marking for coding and identification (EN 13044)
- Additional railroad operation plate (UIC 596-6)
- Safety warnings and coloured markings for handling areas
Applications
EN 284:2006 is vital in the combined transport industry, where swap bodies must be efficiently and securely transferred between road vehicles and railway wagons. Typical applications include:
- International and Domestic Transport: Ensures that swap bodies can be loaded, transported, and unloaded across different European countries without compatibility issues.
- Intermodal Freight Logistics: Facilitates quick transfer between trucks and trains, improving supply chain efficiency.
- Transport of General and Specialized Goods: Supports use with various body types (box, tarpaulin, curtainsider) to move wide-ranging cargo safely.
- Logistics Service Providers and Fleet Operators: Ensures fleets meet common European requirements for easier equipment interchange and safety compliance.
This standard supports increased interoperability within the European transport network, reduces handling errors, and protects cargo integrity during frequent transfer between modes.
Related Standards
- EN 283: Swap bodies - Testing (structural strength requirements)
- EN 12640: Securing of cargo on road vehicles - Lashing points
- EN 12641-1/2: Tarpaulins for swap bodies and commercial vehicles
- EN 12642: Body structure strength for securing cargo
- EN 13044: Swap bodies - Coding, identification, and marking
- ISO 668: Series 1 freight containers - Corner fitting specification
- ISO 1161: Corner fittings for freight containers
- UIC 596-6: Technical organization for combined transport units in rail operation
- CEN/TS 13853: Stackable swap bodies - class C (not covered in EN 284:2006)
By adhering to EN 284:2006, transport operators and manufacturers guarantee compatibility and safety in Europe’s combined transport sector, promoting seamless supply chains and reliable intermodal freight services.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 22-Dec-2008
- Effective Date
- 22-Apr-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 284:2006 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Swap bodies - Non-stackable swap bodies of class C - Dimensions and general requirements". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies basic requirements for non-stackable swap bodies of class C, having a gross mass of not more than 16 t. NOTE 1 "Swap bodies of class C" means that they are equipped with bottom fittings positioned according to the specification for 1 C (20') ISO containers (see ISO 668). NOTE 2 Stackable swap bodies class C are specified in CEN/TS 13853.
This European Standard specifies basic requirements for non-stackable swap bodies of class C, having a gross mass of not more than 16 t. NOTE 1 "Swap bodies of class C" means that they are equipped with bottom fittings positioned according to the specification for 1 C (20') ISO containers (see ISO 668). NOTE 2 Stackable swap bodies class C are specified in CEN/TS 13853.
EN 284:2006 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 55.180.10 - General purpose containers. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 284:2006 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 284:1992, ISO 1161:1984, EN 13044-3:2011, EN 12641-1:2019, EN 12642:2016, EN 283:1991, EN 12641-2:2019, EN 13044-1:2011, EN 13044-2:2011, EN 12640:2019, EN 1744-1:1998. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 284:2006 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Swap bodies - Non-stackable swap bodies of class C - Dimensions and general requirementsCaisses mobiles - Caisses mobiles non-gerbables de classe C - Dimensions et spécifications généralesWechselbehälter - Nicht stapelbare Wechselbehälter der Klasse C - Maße und allgemeine AnforderungenTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 284:2006SIST EN 284:2007en,fr,de55.180.10General purpose containersICS:SIST EN 284:20001DGRPHãþDSLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 284:200701-januar-2007
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 284October 2006ICS 55.180.10Supersedes EN 284:1992
English VersionSwap bodies - Non-stackable swap bodies of class C -Dimensions and general requirementsCaisses mobiles - Caisses mobiles non-gerbables declasse C - Dimensions et spécifications généralesWechselbehälter - Nicht stapelbare Wechselbehälter derKlasse C - Maße und allgemeine AnforderungenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 11 September 2006.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2006 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 284:2006: E
Bottom fittings.16 Annex B (normative)
Supporting legs with safety device.17 Bibliography.22
1) Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer, 16, rue Jean Rey, F-75015 Paris ( http://www.uic.asso.fr/ ).
Key a detail, showing the position of the lower corner castings Figure 1 — Basic dimensions Table 1 — Dimensions and rating Dimensions in millimetres Swap body designation
l1
l2
l3
h1 a (nominal)
b1 b
b2 d1 – d2 or d2 – d1
R C 745 0207450− 35853± 035,798− 2 750 0102550−32259±13 max. 16 t max. C 782 c 0207820−
035,983−
a The International Union of Railways code for line categories UIC 596-6 shall be taken into consideration to assure transportation without hindrance on the main railways lines of continental Europe. b A maximum width of 2 600 mm is permitted for certain thermal bodies according to EC Directive No. 96/53/EC. c According to present road vehicle legislation in certain countries, the transport of two swap bodies of this size on a road train is only feasible when used together with a short coupling. 4 Strength requirements The strength requirements for non-stackable swap bodies are given in EN 283.
Figure 2 — Side view with grappler arm lifting areas
Figure 3a) — Grappler flange safety lip, end stops and wear-resistant plate – three dimensional view, seen from the bottom
Figure 3b) — Grappler flange safety lip, end stops and wear-resistant plate – side view
Figure 3c) — Grappler flange safety lip, end stops and wear-resistant plate – Section X-X
Figure 3d) — Grappler flange safety lip with corner casting as end stop – three dimensional view, seen from the bottom
Figure 3e) — Grappler flange safety lip with corner casting as end stop – side view with section Key 1 wear-resistant plate – this part of the wall shall not project behind the bed stop of the grappler flange 2 free space, neither rigid (≥ 51 mm) nor mobile parts (≥ 61 mm) of the swap body sh
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