For multiple reasons, intermodal transport has become a trending topic in the transport sector. Therefore, many businesses have shifted to this shipping mode because of its numerous benefits. Shippers save money with intermodal because it saves time and reduces costs, making it an efficient method of delivery of goods.
Understanding Intermodal – When and Why
Intermodal shipping involves the transportation of freight in huge containers or vehicles using multiple transportation modes, including ship, truck, and rail, without handling cargo while changing the methods. Companies use trains for the long-haul portion of intermodal shipment of goods to leverage the efficacy of railway tracks. At the same time, trucks pick up freight at the origin and deliver it to the intermodal ramp. Later, it picks up the goods from the destination and provides them to the customers. Intermodal shipping includes four modes of transportation:
- Airfreight with aircrafts
- Rail intermodal transport with trains and railroads
- Road transport with trailers, trucks, and truckload deliveries
- Maritime transportation by boat
Who Should Use Intermodal Transportation?
Many companies have now shifted to intermodal transport. It saves money and is an efficient mode of transportation. Although the first and the last step involves trucks to deliver freight, most shipments involve rail, helping corporations save money on last-mile logistics.
However, the main question is the distance. Intermodal shipping is an ideal choice for moving goods for over 700 miles. Since long trips require more fuel, using rails can reduce fuel costs and minimize carbon footprint, making it an environmentally friendly means of transport. If your shipping requires more than a day to reach its destination, it is better to choose rail to ship your goods. Intermodal shipping is also the best alternative when transporting goods from one province to another.
How Does Intermodal Transportation Save Money?
The companies use intermodal shipping because it saves them money depending on the trip’s length and distance from rail to the shipper. This is a more cost-effective method of transporting freight. Intermodal shipping can save over 10 to 40% of costs due to the following reasons:
This means of transport use the railway to move freight across the land while reducing fuel costs. Since rail traveling is cost-effective due to reduced fuel costs, intermodal shipping is a convenient and cheaper means of transport.
Intermodal shipping reduced the handling costs because the goods remained in the containers until they reached their final destination. Therefore, there is less handling and reduced handling fees. Lastly, intermodal transportation minimizes the cost per metric ton, making it a cost-effective mode of transport.
The Bottom Line
Intermodal transportation is gaining immense popularity due to the numerous benefits it offers. Bay & Bay is a 3PL trucking company that works to transport the shipment to different areas of the country. Bay & Bay has been in the intermodal business for nearly 50 years.
We provide numerous service options across North America, including conventional and accelerated service, and have direct access to all class 1 railroads and private asset providers.