Intermodal Motor Carriers | How-to Guides for running your business from Work.com

The link between ocean, rail and over-the-road transportation can be a lot smoother if you use intermodal motor carriers to deliver your goods to their final destination. Simply put, the whole theory behind using an intermodal carrier is that the container housing your cargo is moved from ship, to train, to intermodal motor carrier and isn't opened until it reaches its destination.

The key reasons to use an intermodal trucking company are:

1. Your cargo remains undisturbed from point of embarkation to destination.
2. Very often intermodal carriers have formed relationships where you only pay one fee to ship your cargo, no matter which mode of transportation you use.
3. Fewer cargo handlers are involved in intermodal shipments.
4. Since your cargo never leaves its container, it's easier to track its whereabouts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find an intermodal agent

Intermodal agents are usually freight forwarders that handle intermodal carriers, including intermodal trucking companies, shiplines, airlines and railroads.

I recommend: Among the major companies that specialize in handling intermodal freight are The Hub Group and J.B. Hunt, which is an intermodal trucking company that has developed a relationship with the Sante Fe Railroad. Find other agents that handle intermodal trucking carriers and other forms of intermodal transportation by going to the Intermodal Association of America website. Also check with the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America to find an intermodal broker or forwarder in your area.

Find an intermodal trucking company

Many intermodal trucking carriers have formed relationships with railroads, shiplines and airlines to provide "through service" from point of entry to destination.

I recommend: The easiest way to find an intermodal trucking company is to check the IANA listing for trucking companies that specialize in intermodal shipments, or consult their membership directory for intermodal marketing companies.

Find a logistics specialist

So-called "logistics companies" specialize in the handling of intermodal cargo.

I recommend: Among the better known logistics companies are Landstar, CSX Intermodal and APL logistics. Note that one is a trucking company, the second a railroad and the third is a shipline. All three are climbing aboard the growing intermodal bandwagon.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Make sure the trucking company or intermodal agent you choose knows the laws governing intermodal transportation in the U.S. and other countries.
Check on the relationship between the trucking company and other carriers involved in the transportation of your cargo as afar as their ability to work together, reliability, etc.
Make sure the intermodal carrier gives all the fees up front. You don't need any surprises when the cargo finally reaches its destination.
Make sure the carriers are insured against loss of cargo and are covered by adequate errors and omissions insurance.
If you're using an intermodal agent or forwarder, get the name of the person who is following the cargo's progress.
Find out what cargo tracking services are available for you to use to check on the location of your cargo, especially if it's delayed.

The official source of Intermodal Motor Carriers is
the Intermodal Motor Carriers page at Business.com

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