Intermodal Shipping
Enhance your over-the-road shipments by incorporating intermodal capacity, unlocking a range of advantages for your business. Our collaborative approach, integrating expertise, cutting-edge technology, and intermodal solutions, is designed to mitigate the effects of seasonal fluctuations, environmental challenges, regulatory changes, and industry dynamics that might otherwise adversely affect your bottom line.
- Experience the benefits of an efficient and cost-effective shipping strategy with a route-neutral approach tailored to your distinct freight. Eliminate reliance on specific railroads or restricted routes, allowing for greater flexibility and potential cost savings in your shipping operations.
- IEL has access to every major railroad in North America, ensuring you have the intermodal rail container capacity required, whether for surges, spot shipments, or committed arrangements.
- Enhance the flexibility of your current supply chain strategy by seamlessly transitioning from one mode of transportation to another.
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Intermodal Services
Enhancing your over-the-road shipments with intermodal capacity provides a range of new advantages for your business. Our team, coupled with advanced technology and intermodal solutions, works collaboratively to mitigate the effects of seasonal changes, environmental influences, regulatory shifts, and industry factors that might adversely affect your bottom line.
Domestic Containers
International Containers
Drayage
Refrigerated
Cross-Border Logistics
The Intermodal Process
Intermodal transportation become increasingly advantageous for longer freight distances, offering potential cost savings. With 25 million containers moved annually through intermodal shipping, it’s clear why this mode is one of the fastest growing in transportation.
FAQ
What is Intermodal Shipping?
Intermodal shipping is the transportation of freight using multiple modes of transportation—such as trucks, trains, and ships—without handling the cargo itself when switching between modes. It improves efficiency, reduces costs, and offers an environmentally friendly alternative to long-haul trucking.
How does intermodal shipping compare to full truckload (FTL) shipping?
Intermodal shipping typically takes longer than FTL because it involves multiple handoffs between transportation modes. However, it can be more cost-effective, especially for long-distance shipments, and is less affected by driver shortages and fuel price fluctuations. FTL, on the other hand, offers faster transit times and more direct routing.
What types of freight are best suited for intermodal shipping?
Intermodal shipping is ideal for freight that is not time-sensitive, as well as large-volume shipments, packaged consumer goods, retail products, and industrial materials. It is best for cargo that can be easily loaded into standard containers and does not require specialized handling.
How is intermodal shipping priced?
Intermodal rates depend on factors such as the shipping distance, container size, rail lane availability, fuel surcharges, and any additional handling fees. In many cases, intermodal shipping provides cost savings over long-haul trucking due to the efficiency of rail transport.
How long does intermodal shipping take?
Transit times for intermodal shipments vary based on the distance and specific route, but they are generally longer than FTL shipments due to multiple transfers between transportation modes. However, for cross-country shipments, rail transport can still be an efficient option when planned properly.
Is intermodal shipping reliable?
Yes, intermodal shipping is reliable, though it requires proper planning to account for possible delays during mode transfers. Rail networks and intermodal hubs are designed for efficiency, and with the right logistics planning, intermodal can be a dependable shipping method.
Is intermodal shipping environmentally friendly?
Yes, intermodal shipping is considered one of the most sustainable freight transportation methods. Rail transport, which is a key component of intermodal shipping, produces fewer emissions per ton-mile than trucking, making it a greener option for long-distance shipping.