Types of Intermodal Terminals

An intermodal terminal, or hub, is a logistics platform specialized in cargo transportation. This system involves the transfer of loading units from road to rail. By utilizing intermodal terminals, customers can reduce logistics costs and have faster, safer, and better transport services. An essential aspect of the intermodal terminal is the cargo units’ transfer and temporary storage of goods.

Intermodal hubs feature a large yard and dedicated equipment to ensure the proper execution of the transportation process. Using one or more internal rail tracks, freight trains are let into the operational area of the terminal where intermodal units can be easily handled and moved from one destination to another. An intermodal hub’s key objective is to be a structured trans-loading facility that mainly transfers the contents of maritime containers into domestic containers or truckloads.

In addition, cross-docking commonly occurs in the last segment of the retail supply chain. And finally, warehousing is a standard function within intermodal transportation. These hubs consist of both efficient and environmentally sustainable global movement of all types of unitized goods!

Port Terminals

With the increasing popularity of long-distance maritime container shipping, port terminals are the most effective intermodal terminals regarding traffic, space consumption, and capital requirements. The port terminal’s primary purpose is to transfer cargo between ships and land. Furthermore, a container sea terminal connects the marine and inland circulation systems. The terminal is the middleman between containers waiting to be loaded on another ship! Barge terminals are connected to major deep-sea ports with scheduled barge services. Barges can use common docking areas at the maritime container terminal if the main port is overcrowded, which is a highly convenient tactic. Although barge-to-barge terminal container services are possible, they are not very common.

Rail Terminals

Rail terminals are linked to ports. A rail terminal can be moved directly from the dock to a railcar using the terminal’s equipment. A satellite terminal is a facility located at a less jammed site that performs activities that have become too expensive or inconvenient for the maritime terminal. A load center is a standard intermodal rail terminal controlling a regional market area and can take the form of an inland port. Containerized rail traffic also requires rail operations as freight moves from one rail network to another. This can be done by switching carriers and trucking containers from one terminal to another. The satellite terminal, the load center, and the transmodal terminal are inland ports. The terminal clearance is the main difference between an on-dock and a near-dock rail facility.

Distribution Centers

Distribution centers are another intermodal terminal that predominantly includes trucking to support the transmodal operations. A transloading facility mainly transfers maritime containers into domestic containers or truckloads. In distribution centers, shipments are palletized as part of the transportation process because many containers are floor-loaded. In addition, cross-docking commonly occurs in the last segment of the retail supply chain. This strategy consists of unloading goods from inbound delivery vehicles and loading them directly onto outbound vehicles. Warehousing is a standard function performed by distribution centers and typically acts as the hedge within supply chains.

Northstar provides cost-effective and high-quality services to customers daily. Our network of terminals strategically located at major east coast ports allows us to handle shipments originating and destined for all points in North America. Northstar Transport Services has the flexibility to provide service from low volume to high volume customers with the same value-added service customers expect. We offer a systematic approach to ensure customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. Check out the services we provide here!

Environmental Advantages of Intermodal Transportation

Taking responsibility for the environment is an important task most industries are facing today, and the transportation industry is no exception. Many logistic companies are choosing feasible solutions to make the world of transportation a cleaner, greener place. As these industries implement new environmental policies and strive for a cleaner future, intermodal transportation provides a more sustainable way to attain this goal. Intermodal transport significantly reduces a shipper’s carbon footprint while delivering a more systematic way to move the supply chain. Furthermore, there are numerous environmental advantages of intermodal transportation. Read on to learn more!

Intermodal Fuel Efficiency

While intermodal transport relies on short-haul trucking for first and last-mile service, the long haul is almost exclusively ship and rail. In addition, modern locomotives have improved the efficiency of rail transportation. While they reduce nitrogen and harmful emissions, they also have numerous fuel-saving features that help railroads maximize efficiency. On top of that, one train can move an average of 280 trucks! These are fundamental ways intermodal transport positively affects fuel efficiency, not only because of its sustainability, but also because of its cost-effectiveness.

Reducing Air Pollution

Intermodal transportation uses many forms of passage, which reduces air pollution. Primarily, trains and ships are used to move freight for the most extended portions of the shipment, and trucks are used for shorter distances. This method reduces fuel use when exporting goods from one place to another. While trucks are required for at least one segment of every shipment, this tactic optimizes fuel efficiency and reduces road traffic! In addition, it produces less greenhouse gas and carbon pollution while these goods are shipped from one part of the world to another. One single freight train can replace several hundred trucks, frees up space on the highway, and reduces highway wear and tear on roadways.

Eco-friendly Modes of Transportation

Using steel and aluminum for standardized shipping containers provides an excellent way for eco-friendly intermodal transportation. The containers fit together perfectly, so the storage capacity of each journey can increase to carry the most cargo! These shipping containers are durable, used for years, and cost-efficient. In addition, the standardized design saves time during the unloading and loading process.

Intercontinental shipments through cargo ships provide another great way to carry large volumes of freight in shipping containers. The spacious containers reduce the need for additional trips and improve efficiencies during the port processes.

Environmentally friendly logistic solutions require creativity and flexibility, and the demand is urgently growing as the world looks towards a greener future. Intermodal transportation certainly fits the bill to help. There are many opportunities to enhance efficiencies while creating new techniques to increase sustainability in the intermodal transport sector. Reducing fuel, diminishing traffic congestion, and using eco-friendly materials create a better future for the world of intermodal transportation. All companies in the transport industry need to challenge traditional solutions with smarter ones! Be willing to try these new techniques when moving goods and start implementing them today.

Seasonal Effects on Intermodal Transportation

Intermodal transportation has several benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, reduced chances of theft and accidents, and even reduced environmental impact. Although these are very positive aspects of shipping, intermodal transportation can also run into certain issues due to weather and seasonal changes. These concerns need to be taken into consideration when planning to get supplies from point A to point B. Read on to learn more about how the changing of seasons can affect intermodal transportation.

Seasonal Changes

As the year progresses, the supply chain varies on the products, commodities, and locations it is transporting. During the months of January, February, and March, volume is typically down. The weather is cold and snowy, which makes for less than ideal traveling conditions. The volume begins to pick up in March as spring approaches. During peak produce seasons, which are April, May, June, and July, the weather is warmer, allowing fruits and vegetables to start growing. Produce such as strawberries, squash, chili peppers, limes, grapes, corn, watermelons, and cucumbers begin to grow and are transported all over the world. During this time, finding transportation can become more challenging due to the increase in goods, which in turn causes shipping rates to increase.

Produce season comes to an end in August, September, and October as shippers start to prepare for the back-to-school and holiday seasons. The holiday season is bustling during November and December, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s all taking place. Shippers rush to transport goods before the holiday rush, and then… the cycle repeats!

Severe Weather Conditions. Oh no!

Managing the movement of goods from boats to trucks to trains can be extremely tricky, especially when severe weather conditions can cause significant delays and increased costs. Whether it be hurricanes, snowstorms, floods, or just typical heavy rain, all of these conditions can cause delays in transportation. Being cognizant of inclement weather in advance can be helpful for supplies to get to their destinations quickly and efficiently.

Container Shipping: Most cargo ships can withstand extreme weather conditions without altering their schedule, but this is not always the case when extreme storms such as hurricanes and cyclones hit. When cargo ships are not able to sail, they tend to increase speed or take a longer route to divert from the storm’s path. Because of this, ships run out of fuel faster, causing a financial burden on the company shipping the cargo.

Port Operations: Port operations can also be affected by extreme weather. High winds are a main cause of port operators having to suspend crane operations due to safety concerns. A strong wind can cause the crane operator to lose control of cargo, eventually damaging boats, equipment, or other structures.

Railroads: Severe weather can also lead to dangerous conditions for rail transportation. Some examples are rain or fog, which can lead to decreased visibility of signals to locomotive engineers, floods leading to washout of tracks, and even extreme cold causing brittle tracks and track separation.

Although the changing of seasons could bring less than ideal conditions, weather intelligence is extremely helpful when determining logistics for transportation. Weather intelligence uses data that proactively adapts to the incoming weather conditions. It provides insights into the weather today, tomorrow, and weeks in the future!