The worldwide shipment of goods and products relies on an efficient supply chain. This worldwide supply chain consists of rail, road, sea, and air transportation methods. Intermodal trucking is a form of transportation that moves goods in containers on truck beds. This method is efficient because it allows the transport containers to be placed on rail cars or planes without repacking them. That is why it is called “intermodal”, because this method allows for more than one form of transport to be used. Intermodal trucking is also referred to as “drayage”. There are many processes that go on behind the scenes to get materials and products from point A to point B.
Intermodal Trucking Process
Intermodal trucking is one of the most important parts of the intermodal transportation process. It is usually the beginning or the end of the intermodal process, handling the first and last mile of a freight that has been shipped by railway, ocean, or air. This step plays a crucial role in delivering the goods securely and on schedule. The process of intermodal trucking begins when a shipment arrives on an overseas vessel. The shipment of containers will then be moved onto rail cars from a United States point of entry. The cargo will be placed onto a truck and sent on the way to its final destination. All storage containers must meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. This standardization helps assist in making the shipping process seamless and efficient. All containers worldwide must meet the same specifications. This allows for containers to stack on top of eachother on railroad cars and trucks. The standard size ISO shipping containers are 8 feet wide, 40 feet long, and 4.5 feet high.
Why Intermodal Trucking is Important
Intermodal trucking is designed to maximize value for customers through a convenient supply chain process. Intermodal trucking is a flexible process for freight due to a multitude of reasons. Locations for different modes of transportation are found all across the country. The process allows for freight being shipped to utilize many different forms of transportation. Shipping destinations can be easily reached through the trucking process. Lastly, shipping processes can be kept on schedule and meet deadlines easily with the intermodal process.
Benefits of Intermodal Trucking
The benefits of intermodal trucking include access to multiple transportation options, competitive long-haul transit choices, cost minimization, and alternate capacity. Intermodal trucking allows for a seamless process of transport with containers that can be easily transferred to different modes of transportation. This process of shipping and handling goods provides for a hassle free transportation process overall. Storage containers can even be temperature controlled if necessary during transportation. Temperature control allows preservation of goods that may be sensitive to weather conditions. In all, the intermodal trucking process is quick, easy, reliable and efficient to deliver goods.
Northstar Transport Services
We have locations across the East Coast of the United States to deliver the best in supply chain transportation services. We have long-term relationships with major ports and know how to get the job done. We are in touch with our drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure efficiency and timely delivery. We accomplish the best service possible by focusing only on intermodal trucking and other services that our customers need. For more information visit our website: https://www.nstransport.com/
