Intermodal shipping is an increasingly popular choice for businesses of all sizes seeking cost-effective and sustainable freight solutions. Yet, despite its benefits, misconceptions about intermodal often deter companies from using it to its full potential - and in some cases, using it at all. So rather than letting these false impressions go unchallenged, let’s debunk the top 10 myths surrounding intermodal shipping and uncover the truth.
Reality: While intermodal shipping may not always match the speed of truckload service, it is often just as reliable for long-haul shipments. Intermodal providers, known as IMCs, achieve this by leveraging scheduled rail services to maintain consistent transit times, making it an excellent option for shippers seeking a reliable 53’ shipping alternative.
Typically, intermodal transit times are equivalent to truck transit times plus one additional day when the shipment remains on the same railroad. Shipments requiring interlining between East and West Coast railroads may add up to three days over truck. Additionally, IMCs offer expedited options on high-traffic lanes that align more closely with truckload transit times.
Again though, with proper planning, intermodal transit times can be effectively managed to ensure on-time deliveries.
Reality: Intermodal is a mode available to large companies as well as small and medium-sized businesses. SMBs can benefit from intermodal’s cost savings and scalability. Some IMCs, like InTek, can serve businesses of all sizes with tailored intermodal solutions depending on each company's size, product type and unique needs.
Reality: Modern rail networks are highly reliable and operate with strict schedules. Advances in technology have improved rail tracking, making it easier for shippers to monitor their shipments and ensure they arrive on time.
Additionally, intermodal shippers need to realize there is more to service than the railroads themselves. IMCs play a critical role in intermodal service by providing the oversight and drayage capacity to ensure the door-to-door service meets customers’ requirements.
Reality: Each intermodal provider delivers its own quality of service - backed by various levels of technology and expertise. Some IMCs specialize in specific areas of intermodal logistics, bringing unique knowledge and tailored solutions to the table coupled with a high quality customer experience. Others are high-volume focused and more about bringing intermodal capacity than ensuring on-time service.
A dedicated response team and industry-specific experience are crucial to ensuring goods are handled with the utmost care, making it essential to choose an IMC that understands the nuances of intermodal shipping. Evaluating a provider’s track record, technology, and customer focus is key to finding the right fit for your business.
Reality: Advanced tracking technology has made intermodal shipping highly transparent. Intermodal transportation providers use geofencing and GPS on the dray segments, while real-time tracking is provided throughout the intermodal container’s railroad journey. Even chassis are getting in on the GPS game.
IMCs bring both of these components into their sophisticated transportation management systems (TMS) to offer shippers full visibility into their shipments. The end result is you can monitor the location, status, and estimated arrival times, ensuring peace of mind and proactive management of your supply chain.
Reality: Partnering with an experienced intermodal provider takes away the complication of coordinating intermodal shipments. The provider manages the complexities of rail and drayage coordination, making intermodal shipping as seamless as truckload. In other words, there's one point of contact for the entire service from pick-up to delivery, concluding with an on-time delivery and single invoice.
And for all of you new to intermodal, companies like InTek Intermodal are here to help you seamlessly convert your truckload shipments to intermodal.
Reality: Freight loss and delays can happen with any mode, but the right intermodal provider can ensure the likelihood of issues is minimal. Intermodal can actually reduce delays by avoiding congested highways and optimizing routes through rail. Enhanced tracking technology also provides greater visibility into shipment status.
Reality: There are significant differences in how individual IMCs manage their operations and support their customers. These differences include the Class 1 railroads they use in their solutions—some IMCs lack access to all of them.
Additionally, the way each handles the drayage segments of intermodal shipments varies greatly. Drayage management is the linchpin of a successful intermodal shipment, with operational monitoring and a robust dray network playing critical roles. Selecting an IMC that aligns with your needs can make or break the success of your intermodal experience.
Reality: Intermodal shipping is no more prone to damage than other freight options when handled correctly. Containers are designed to protect goods during transit. Reputable IMCs involve the Class 1 railroads to provide loading and securing protocols to minimize risk and ensure your shipments are handled properly, with care, from origin to destination.
Reality: Those added charges, known as accessorials, are not inherent to intermodal but rather a result of improper planning or miscommunication. Choosing a provider who proactively manages accessorial charges, communicates requirements clearly, and handles logistics efficiently can help minimize or eliminate these costs, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective shipping experience.
Intermodal shipping is a versatile and effective freight solution that has evolved significantly over the years. By busting these intermodal myths, you'll hopefully better understand how this road plus rail solution can enhance your supply chain. Partnering with a knowledgeable intermodal provider ensures that shippers can enjoy the full benefits of this sustainable and cost-efficient mode of transportation.
Our team is here to guide you through the benefits and help you make the best choice for your logistics needs. We'll work with you on flexible solutions that fit you best. For more information about InTek, or logistics and supply chain issues in general, check out our Freight Guides.