Intermodal
End to end rail intermodal solutions with simple billing.
We answer common questions for shippers when utilizing intermodal services, including:
What is the transit time for rail intermodal shipments?
How does the cost of rail intermodal compare to other modes of transportation?
What are the pickup and delivery options for rail intermodal shipments?
What are the details on the rail network and intermodal terminals involved in the transportation process?
What are the weight and size limitations for rail intermodal shipments?
Are there any restrictions on the types of commodities that can be transported via rail intermodal?
How does the tracking and tracing process work for rail intermodal shipments?
What are the insurance options available for rail intermodal shipments?
Maximize efficiency and cost savings with our seamless rail intermodal solutions for reliable and sustainable freight transportation
Advantages to choosing Intermodal:
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Rail intermodal transportation often offers lower rates compared to other modes, helping customers reduce shipping costs.
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Rail intermodal can handle large volumes of freight, providing ample capacity to accommodate varying shipment sizes.
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By utilizing rail for long-haul transportation, intermodal services contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly logistics.
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Rail intermodal networks span vast areas, allowing customers to reach diverse markets and locations efficiently.
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Rail intermodal services operate on fixed schedules, ensuring consistent transit times and reliable delivery performance
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Intermodal service providers maintain a fleet of railcars and containers, ensuring readily available equipment for customers' shipping needs.
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Rail intermodal transportation offers enhanced security measures, such as tamper-proof seals and surveillance systems, protecting cargo from theft and damage.
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Integration with other modes of transportation, such as trucking or ocean shipping, provides seamless door-to-door service options.
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Intermodal providers offer expertise in handling specific types of freight, including hazardous materials.
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Advanced tracking systems and technology enable real-time visibility of shipments, providing customers with accurate updates and proactive monitoring.
Why not Intermodal?
When was the last time you quoted an intermodal solution for your freight? Chances are you will be surprised how competitive rates are compared to truckload. It’s no secret that capacity limitations, driver shortages and other factors have caused load to truck ratios to skyrocket in recent years. Consequently, freight rates experience the type of volatility that makes it increasingly difficult to accurately project costs. As a result, there is a growing number of companies transitioning to intermodal to better manage their transportation budget.
Intermodal basics
Intermodal is the term used to describe the movement of shipping containers (or truck trailers) utilizing railroads, combined with truck trips at either or both ends of the journey. These truck trips are commonly called drayage moves. An intermodal strategy allows for shippers to take advantage of various modes of transportation, including railroad, ocean carriers and trucking to build the most cost-effective freight management strategy. Intermodal pricing often yields significant savings for shippers. Rail transport is generally more fuel efficient than over the road, contributing to lower costs and its reputation as the most environmentally friendly choice for shipping
We have found that it is not uncommon for rail to get overlooked as a slow and confusing option. When capacity is not an issue, shippers and agents naturally rely on trucks for convenience and speed of delivery. Often though, when capacity is tight, rail begins to look a lot more attractive, and we are seeing that play out now in the market with fantastic results.
Let us take a closer look at a recent shipment we handled as an example of how rail compares to truck cost. Our customer, who has traditionally used trucks to haul freight from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA requested that we compare intermodal for the same trip. Just by adding a little flexibility, the shipper reduced their cost from $2,000 to $1,500, saving 25% on rate. The difference in delivery time increased slightly from 2-3 days to 3-4 days of transit time.
You might be asking, if rail intermodal is so great, why aren’t more shippers using it? Fair question, rail doesn’t work for all types of shipments. If your cargo is time or temperature sensitive or traveling less than 500 miles - it’s likely trucks are a better option. As a rule of thumb, if your shipment can be containerized, is traveling greater than 500 miles and you have some flexibility in schedule, intermodal is definitely worth considering.
Using a combination of trucks and railroads to move your freight may seem overwhelming. At AGX, we work with all the major rail lines and coordinate shipments from door to door with one invoice to help simplify the process. Our customers benefit by taking advantage of rail as a solution to help reduce their costs and avoid the challenges created in the market by capacity limitations. If you haven’t examined intermodal rates recently, we encourage you to investigate to see if it makes sense for your business. If you need any assistance, let us know, we welcome the opportunity to get a quote started for you.
Get a Quote
Are you interested in determining if intermodal is the right solution for your business? We are here to assist you. In order to get started, simple complete the adjacent form. A member of our team will be in touch.