Army Released Updated Securement Manual for Containers
Logistics operators moving specialized military-grade containers should review the new, fourth edition of Modal Instruction 23.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Transportation
The U.S. Army Transportation Engineering Agency has released the fourth edition of Modal Instruction 23, providing critical field guidance for securing specialized military containers. The manual details procedures for intermodal transport of units that often lack standard commercial corner fittings.
Why it matters
The updated guidance provides long-needed commercial logistics reference material for unique military assets like internal slingable units and modular containers. It ensures compliant, safe transport for specialized equipment by addressing technical gaps in standard intermodal securement procedures.
This is the fourth iteration of Modal Instruction 23, which now includes specific procedures for individual sub-20-foot containers weighing up to 10,000 lbs. The updated guidelines standardize securement for assets previously lacking commercial benchmarks.
The players
U.S. Army Transportation Engineering Agency
A military engineering unit based at Scott Air Force Base that develops technical transportation guidance and logistics standards.
The details
Modal Instruction 23 establishes standardized securement steps for BICONs, TRICONs, and internal slingable units that are frequently incompatible with civilian hardware. The manual provides the necessary methodology for transitioning military units between sea, rail, and highway modes. Operators must ensure compliance when joining sub-20-foot units into 20-foot equivalent configurations, which requires specific testing and certification as outlined in the new edition.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The U.S. Army Transportation Engineering Agency released the updated Modal Instruction 23.
Market Landscape
This guidance marks a necessary bridge between standard ISO 668 freight protocols and the reality of specialized military transport. It follows a pattern of agency efforts to standardize niche logistics equipment that previously lacked commercial, field-ready documentation.
Logistics managers should review the new manual to ensure that specialized units, particularly sub-20-foot containers, meet updated safety and intermodal compliance requirements. Verify your current securement procedures against the new edition to avoid potential transport delays or liability issues.
The takeaway
The latest edition of Modal Instruction 23 codifies safety procedures for military-unique containers that are frequently excluded from standard logistics manuals. Operators should audit their current load handling practices against the updated weight and certification standards defined in the text.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving standards for moving specialized cargo, visit the Transportation section.
More information
To register for access to the digital publication, visit the DoD DISA account self-registration portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Army.
