The U.S. Army Transportation Command’s Transportation Engineering Agency (ARTRANS TEA) has released the fourth edition of its Modal Instruction (MI) 23 Tiedown Instructions for Containerized Movements. The publication is a key field reference for stuffing and securing ISO containers, flatracks, and other specialized containers transiting through the Defense Transportation System.
The revised edition expands upon reference material concerning BICONs, TRICONs, internal slingable units (ISU), and load handling system (LHS) compatible flatracks. Although the Army has used these systems to deploy for many years, these assets are uncommon in commercial logistics. As a result, specific modal securement information about them can be difficult to find. The updated MI-23 bridges this gap, directly supporting warfighter readiness by ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant intermodal movements.
Key updates to MI-23 include:
BICONs and TRICONs: To safely transport BICON and TRICON containers, they may only be joined to form a 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) if the specific container and coupler combination has been tested and certified for transport. If these sub-20-ft. containers must be moved individually instead of in a TEU, MI-23 now includes guidance on how to secure individual containers weighing up to 10,000 lbs. Critical distinctions between BICONs and 10-ft International Organization for Standardization (ISO) containers are also discussed.
Internal Slingable Units (ISUs): Designed for air transport, these containers are built to directly engage aircraft logistics rails, which eliminates the need for pallets, straps and chains. However, ISU containers lack the standard corner fittings needed for sea, rail, or highway transport. MI-23 provides standardized procedures to secure ISU containers for modes of transport other than air.
Load Handling System (LHS)-Compatible Flatracks: Updates within MI-23 include quick references regarding stacking, capacity, and differences in the securement of similar flatracks.
ARTRANS TEA, the Army’s authority on transportability engineering, provides a suite of resources to support military logistics. In addition to the containerization guide, the agency offers instructions for air, helicopter, highway, rail, and sealift operations.
Digital copies of the new MI-23 Tiedown Instructions for Containerized Movements are available on the ARTRANS TEA webpage, and hard copies can be requested by contacting their office at usarmy.scott.artrans.mbx.tea-dpe@mail.mil
For more information, visit the ARTRANS TEA website at: https://www.army.mil/artrans#org-tea
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