Deutsche Bundesbahn’s pilot project for the development of an intermodal swap body in the full tarpaulin cover version in accordance with EN 283 is currently under development. The aim of this project is to create a full tarpaulin swap body that meets the specific requirements and standards for combined rail and road transport in order to ensure efficient and flexible use.

This type of body was developed with the birth of motorized commercial vehicles. The drop sides were designed to protect the load from falling and the tarpaulin cover from rain. In general, this type of body allows a high degree of flexibility. This flexibility was significantly increased by the invention of the sliding roof in 1969. Today, a much faster and safer loading process is possible with this body, as the loading space can be uncovered very quickly by sliding the entire tarpaulin to the front wall.