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Few Important Things to Know about Intermodal Transportation

It is true that most people would consider using trucks when they want some cargo shipped from one place to another, but the truth is that there are many other better options for you to consider. Intermodal transportation, for instance, offers many amazing benefits and is actually a much better option than trucks. Let's find out more about this transportation option.

One of the best things about intermodal transportation is that it is likely to be a much cost-effective option as compared to other shipping methods. The reason is that rail transportation does not require as much fuel as required during truck transportation, and this difference can help you deliver your shipments at a relatively low cost. Another benefit is that rail transportation is not going to affect the environment in a bad way, which is usually the case with truck transport.


With the evolution of rail systems in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, it is now possible to ship your goods all across North America without having to spend a lot of money. It is also possible to see the intermodal transportation getting expanded in the coming years, making it a much more effective way to ship goods from one place to another.

It is true that intermodal transportation has many benefits, but you need to take your time to determine if it is really a good choice for you. You also need to know when to use this option. For instance, rail transportation becomes a better choice if you send multiple less-than-truckload shipments to the same location.

Some shippers think that LTL shipping is a faster option as compared to rail transportation, but that is not always true, especially considering the fact that there will be no trucking snags like roadway congestion, construction, and other such issues. If there is some scheduling flexibility, rail transportation will always be a better choice than LTL shipping.

If you have decided to use intermodal transportation for your business, you should keep a few important tips in mind to make it work perfectly for you. One very important thing to consider is how you package your goods. Keep in mind that your goods are likely to move from a truck, to rail, and then back to another truck for delivery. This movement makes your shipment vulnerable to damage. That is the reason why you should ensure that you have used proper techniques to pack your goods.

It is also a good idea to make use of blocking and bracing techniques. This will help minimize the movement of your cargo inside the container. Moreover, you should pay special attention to evenly distributing the weight of the shipment inside the container. Sometimes, the use of floor blocking products also works great.

The fact of the matter is that there are so many situations when intermodal transportation becomes a much more effective way to ship your cargo from one destination to another. Just be sure to know how to use right packaging technique to avoid experiencing any issue.