Intermodal
Why use intermodal?
Intermodal can add value to your supply chain strategy by complementing all the other ways you move your freight. Blending rail with other types of capacity works when you have higher volumes in longer shipping lanes. And, as with all our freight services, you can use our experts to gain business intelligence 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 something like minor isolated incidents to macroeconomic trends. If a shippers solely relies on truckload shipping will most likely be ill-prepared to manage these capacity shortages. In addition to routinely occurring events such as natural disasters, seasonal shortages, etc., issues such as looming driver shortages, and the impending ELD mandate could have a major impact on long-haul trucking capacity. Adding intermodal shipping to a supply chain can mitigate these risks. Overall, a mix of rail and other services means you get the right capacity, at the right time, in the right place and momentum across your entire supply chain. 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 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, especially when you ship multiple times a week on a specific lane. Though savings vary by lane, seasonality, and the current truckload market, 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 spend. Intermodal cost savings are typically between $50-$150 per load, with one to two 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 truckloads off the road.
Our intermodal Services
Each railroad has a unique route in North America. 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. That hels provide you with more capacity across more routes, for a supply chain that’s ready for just about anything. For more information request a quote or contact us today!