How does intermodal transportation work?

Intermodal freight transportation means moving cargo long distances using two or more types of transport. Each part of the trip is handled by a different carrier, so there are several bills. Shippers use intermodal to save money or to move goods across oceans. Containers travel by rail or barge first, then by truck to the final stop. Short trips at the end, called drayage, move containers from the port or dock to their final place.

What is the difference between intermodal and multimodal transportation?

The key difference between intermodal and multimodal freight is billing. Intermodal uses multiple carriers, each with its own bill of lading. Multimodal uses one carrier or several carriers under one single bill of lading.

What are the benefits of intermodal transportation

Intermodal transportation offers lower rates, predictable pricing, and flexibility. The longer the haul, the more likely you’ll be to find cost savings through intermodal. Freight moving 500+ miles, or anything longer than a day on over the road, could be a strong candidate. If the origin and destination cities are close to major metros, chances are that they are also close to rail ramps and/or ports. This drives intermodal costs down.

Is your freight time-sensitive? Typical intermodal transit is truckload transit, plus a day when the lane is within one railroad’s network. If the overall move requires shipment to interchange between multiple railroads, this can increase by another day or two. Longer delays due to track or ramp congestion, weather, track conditions are quite common.

The driver shortage has caused a crunch in capacity, specifically for long-distance road hauls. Also, intermodal utilizes the rail and local drayage carriers to complete long-haul moves reducing the dependence on over-the-road drivers. Intermodal transportation is a smart selection when cargo flow must be regular/recurring and in similar quantities. If your shipper sends out several of the same LTL shipment each month, it may be worth comparing costs and service levels to that of intermodal.

Why use intermodal?

Intermodal freight shipping can be a very beneficial way to ship freight over long distances in terms of cost savings. Shippers who regularly send the similar amounts of LTL shipments for more than 500 miles are the ones who will grasp the most benefits of intermodal freight. Also, intermodal implies more accountability and responsibility of carriers, since there is a separate bill of lading for every part of the shipping process.

Shippers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by switching to intermodal shipping. Moving one ton of freight one mile via rail, rather than by truck, can reduce CO2 emissions by about 83%, offering a substantial environmental benefit and greater fuel efficiency.

Intermodal shipping gives you more equipment options and predictable schedules. It’s generally safer and more secure: drivers don’t handle the cargo and container doors stay locked during transit. Plus, fixed-track movement and proper blocking and bracing prevent the load from shifting.

Intermodal transportation with LockedIn Logistics, LLCC

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‍We can provide any type of intermodal freight transportation regardless of the complexity. Dry, refrigerated/frozen, hazardous, tanker endorsed, high value, or specialized in any way, we have a large network of highly experienced IMC’s to service it all.