What is Intermodal Transportation?

Transportation of freight goods can be an expensive proposition, and choosing just one transit solution may not be the most cost-effective solution for your company’s needs. Intermodal transportation, as defined by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), refers simply to freight shipping that utilizes multiple modes – or methods – of conveyance. A combination of railways, ships, and trucks may be the most efficient way to get your shipment to its final destination. Over 25 million containers worth of cargo are shipped annually in North America alone, moving everything from electronics to paper to auto parts.

Why Use Intermodal Transportation?

Reliability: Though you might think it complicates the shipping process, intermodal transportation is actually a very dependable method. Shipments are monitored at every step of the way, with the help of state-of-the-art technology. This means that the supply chain has information about the schedule and condition of client cargo, updated in real-time.
Safety: Modern drayage services are extraordinary dependable, featuring high-tech lift technology and high standards of vehicle maintenance. The risk of damage to freight when moving between modes of transportation is quite low.
Environment-Friendly: Did you know that intermodal trains are twice as efficient as trucks when it comes to fuel use and efficiency? A typical train used for intermodal transportation purposes can carry quantities of cargo that would otherwise have required over 280 highway trucks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), not only does incorporating railroads into freight transport alleviate highway congestion, it is also environment-friendly because they account for just 9 percent of the total transportation-related nitrogen oxide emissions.

Cost-effective freight transportation is rarely as simple as deciding between trucking and shipping. A reliable and professional transportation service company will coordinate across modes of shipping to ensure an economical and speedy delivery.

Contact BondedService today for more information about intermodal transportation services in Atlanta or Savannah.