Intermodal transportation involves the use of 2 or more carriers, or “modes” that link logistics programs in order to complete delivery. This can involve transport by land, sea or air in a number of carrier combinations. The marriage of rail and intermodal trucking companies is a common example of intermodal shipping. A shipper loads product into a cargo container attached to a truck by a special chassis. The truck takes the product to a rail yard where a crane separates the box from the chassis and transfers it to a train. When the train reaches its destination, a crane operator offloads the container to a truck chassis once more for final delivery.

Intermodal transportation services provide businesses with a simple solution for getting cargo from Point A to Point B. For a single rate, a shipper is able to schedule a move by origin and destination alone. The shipper needn’t be concerned over logistical details, such as how to get a product moved partially by train, and partially by truck. Intermodal brokers make all the arrangements.

To take advantage of intermodal services, consider the following:

1. Consider the size and weight of your product. Each mode has its own requirements and restrictions.

2. Review the shipping time frame. Some carrier combinations are speedier than others.

3. Calculate the cost effectiveness of assorted intermodal carrier combinations.

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

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

• Compare intermodal pricing against traditional trucking alternatives. For some shippers, adherence to intermodal transport schedules is not a problem. For JIT freight, the more direct route of sending shipments by truck offers enhanced product security (shipment never sits unattended in an open rail yard) without transloading delays.

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