Intermodal
Why use intermodal?
Intermodal can add value to your supply chain strategy by complementing your other freight modes. Utilizing rail, along with other capacity types, is best when you have higher volumes and longer shipping lanes. As with all our freight services, you can use our experts to gain industry knowledge across the entire supply chain, even when your freight moves on the rails.
It is important for shippers to diversify their capacity pool. Every shipper will face supply chain disruptions from minor isolated incidents to a complete shift in our economy. If a shipper solely relies on transport via truck, they will most likely be ill-prepared to manage these capacity shortages. Adding intermodal shipping to a supply chain can mitigate these risks. Let’s take a closer look at several key benefits.
Safe and Secure
Your freight is safe when in transit on the rail. When the containers are offloaded at the gated intermodal facilities, they are under the watchful eye of 24/7 security personnel and surveillance; many intermodal facilities have their own internal police force.
Your freight is also secure from damage. As long as the freight is properly blocked and braced, it is no more likely to be damaged in transit than in a truck. Hi-tech lift cranes are smooth and steady, as is rail transit itself.
Save Money
We can help uncover potential savings using intermodal transit, especially when you ship multiple times a week on a specific lane. Though savings vary by lane, intermodal can save shippers hundreds, sometimes thousands, on a per-load basis. Even in competitive truckload lanes where per-load savings are nominal, shippers can drastically reduce their annual transportation spending. Intermodal cost savings are typically between $50-$150 per load, with two to five days additional transit.
Environmentally-Friendly
On average, a fully-loaded semi-truck has a fuel economy of approximately 6.5 miles per gallon. Railroads can move one ton of freight 470 miles on single gallon of fuel. That incredible improvement in fuel efficiency translates to a 75% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on a per-load basis, according to the American Association of Railroads. In addition to being the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly mode of overland transportation, every fully-loaded intermodal train removes the equivalent of 280 trucks off the road.
Our Intermodal Services
Each rail line carrier has it’s own network of rail lanes and it’s own requirements to run freight on their rail lines. Each has conditions that either you or your intermodal marketing company (IMC) must meet to use those routes. Some railroad companies lease containers; others require you or the IMC to own the containers to use the rails. We offer you the best services when it comes to leasing containers and focusing on running a network that will help identify modal conversion opportunities. For more information request a quote or contact us today!