Five Reasons Intermodal Shipping May Be Right for You

Are you looking to expand your transportation options while ensuring you are getting the best rates? Consider intermodal. Seamlessly combining truck and rail through intermodal shipping has many advantages, especially when managed by an experienced team.

1. You save money. Intermodal is often a more cost-effective way to transport full truckloads. That’s because door-to-door intermodal leverages the efficiency of rail and the flexibility of trucking for a winning combination of price and service. It also leverages economies of scale by optimizing routes and combining shipments across different modes.
2. It’s environmentally friendly. Shipping by train, even if it’s integrated with trucking services, has a smaller carbon footprint than exclusively over-the-road shipments. That’s because trains are more fuel-efficient. Better still, trains have little to no effect on highway congestion that can feed into higher emissions.
3. The network is reliable. Because it’s primarily rail-based, intermodal is less affected by severe weather and traffic congestion in major hubs. The result is a reliable network with transit schedules that ensure your goods remain on track.
4. It’s safe and secure. Shipping by rail is considered significantly safer because trains operate on fixed tracks with less exposure to variable road conditions, traffic, and weather. As a result, there is a lower accident rate per ton-mile transported. GPS tracking and real-time monitoring systems allow shippers to keep tabs on freight throughout transit, increasing visibility and security. Additionally, containers benefit from secure rail yards, automated inspection systems, and controlled access points, reducing the chance of theft and interference.
5. You have increased capacity. As a shipper, securing consistent capacity can be a challenge — especially in a tight freight market or when you’re scaling operations. Intermodal service opens the door to a large pool of 53′ container capacity, particularly in high-volume lanes. With efficient drayage to and from rail ramps, drivers can complete multiple turns per day, reducing your reliance on over-the-road capacity. The result: more consistent equipment availability, improved planning, and fewer disruptions — all tailored to your business needs.    

Partnering with an experienced intermodal service provider has additional benefits too. You gain access to our trusted networks and technology solutions. Whether you’re new to intermodal or looking to expand capacity, our team can be trusted to provide dependable service, proactive communication, and strategies that fit your business needs.

We’re here to help you decide if intermodal is right for your logistics network. With access to all Class I railroads, we can maximize the advantages and provide the optimal routing for your freight. We offer cost-effective, reliable, eco-friendly solutions tailored to your shipping requirements, all managed by our expert team. When you need to move products across North America, trust Genex to get it done.