When you think of intermodal shipping, you might picture slow, unreliable, and complicated shipping. But that’s not what it’s really like, and those are actually myths of intermodal transport. Intermodal shipping is a very fast and efficient way to move things around the country.
It’s like a team effort between trucks, trains, and planes. The trucks pick up and drop off the stuff at the start and end of the trip, while the train takes it on a long journey. This teamwork makes intermodal shipping a great choice for moving things quickly and safely.
So let’s take a deeper dive and bust some of those myths of intermodal transport!
Common Myths Of Intermodal Transport
Here are some questions and myths of intermodal transportation, let’s dive into it –
Is Intermodal Slower Than Trucking?
It might seem counterintuitive, but intermodal shipping can often be faster than traditional trucking, especially for long distances. While local truck shipments might take a couple of days, rail shipments can cover hundreds of miles in a similar timeframe. This is because trains face fewer delays compared to trucks, which can get stuck in traffic or encounter other roadblocks.
Is Intermodal Less Reliable Than Trucking?
With advancements in technology and infrastructure, intermodal shipping has become increasingly reliable. In fact, many intermodal services boast on-time delivery rates of well over 90%. This reliability is due to factors like improved rail lines, advanced transportation management systems, and more efficient equipment.
Does Intermodal Transportation Have More Complicated Box Options?
Some people think that intermodal containers are too small for their products. However, this is often a misconception. While international shipping containers are typically 20 or 40 feet, there are also 53-foot domestic containers that are specifically designed for land transportation in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For more information on intermodal container sizes, you can refer to the provided link.
Does Intermodal Transportation Increase the Risk of Damage?
Proper packaging and loading procedures can help minimize damage risks in both intermodal and trucking shipments. While smaller shipments might require extra care during loading into rail containers, experienced intermodal companies have the expertise to handle such situations. Overall, the risk of damage is comparable between the two modes.
Is Intermodal Transportation More Complicated?
The myths of intermodal transport are complicated is often outdated. With the rise of freight forwarders offering all-inclusive services, the process has become much simpler. These services handle everything from drayage to line haul and tracking, eliminating the need for you to coordinate multiple carriers. This can significantly reduce the headaches associated with traditional trucking shipments.
Is Intermodal Transportation Less Secure?
Another one of the myths of intermodal transport is that intermodal shipping is actually safer than trucking in many ways. Trucks drive on roads where anyone can see them and try to do bad things. But trains go on special tracks that are not open to everyone. This makes it harder for bad guys to steal things from trains. If you’re shipping something really valuable, intermodal might be a better choice. You can even ask for your stuff to be put in a special place on the train where no one can open the doors. This extra safety can give you peace of mind.
Does Intermodal Have Weight Issues?
Intermodal weight can be a complex issue for shippers. As, the maximum weight allowed for a domestic intermodal container is typically 59,000 pounds, which is much higher than the limit for over-the-road (OTR) shipments. However, this is just the beginning.
To ensure legal shipments, it is essential to follow weight restrictions on steer and axles. Additionally, shippers new to intermodal should familiarize themselves with “harmonic vibration,” a gentle vibration that can affect freight placement within containers.
Does Intermodal Shipping Have No Competition?
One of the common myths of intermodal transport is that railroads don’t need to try harder because there aren’t many other options and competition. But there are still a few different railroads to choose from, and they’re all trying to get customers who used to use trucks. And, to do this, they’re working with trucking companies to offer a mix of truck and train services that are faster, more flexible, and cheaper.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve addressed some of the common myths of intermodal transport and concerns that may have prevented you from considering intermodal transportation. While it’s not the perfect solution for every shipment, it can be a great option for certain routes. If your company has freight lanes that are suitable for intermodal, we encourage you to explore this option without hesitation. We’d be happy to assist you throughout the process.
Remember, the advantages of intermodal transportation include cost savings, competitive transit times, enhanced shipment protection, increased capacity, reduced highway congestion, and a smaller carbon footprint.
So are you still on the fence about the use of intermodal shipping? Still, hearing a lot of myths of intermodal transport? Contact us today and let’s get this cleared up for you!
Association of American Railroads (AAR) – Freight Rail & Intermodal
https://www.aar.org/issue/freight-rail-intermodal/
Explains how intermodal shipping works and its role in modern logistics, helping debunk myths about inefficiency and delays.
Transport Canada – Rail Transportation
https://tc.canada.ca/en/rail-transportation
Outlines the regulatory framework and safety of rail in Canada, supporting the reliability and compliance of intermodal transport.
Railway Association of Canada – Intermodal Freight
https://www.railcan.ca/industry/intermodal/
Covers the benefits of intermodal rail and clears up misconceptions around speed, environmental impact, and infrastructure.
Canadian National Railway (CN) – Intermodal Services
https://www.cn.ca/en/our-services/intermodal/
Details CN’s intermodal capabilities, providing proof of modern, tech-enabled logistics solutions and real-time tracking.
