Intermodal Freight Transportation Services

Intermodal freight transportation is the movement of freight in containers or trailers over two or more modes of transportation such as air, rail, truck, and ship. While it can include any combination of these modes, the most common pairing is rail and truck. In this scenario, the shipment travels by rail for most of its journey, and trucks provide drayage for the short-distance transport to and from the rail facility.

Visit our Intermodal Transportation Guide to find more information about this method of shipping. 

Intermodal shipping looks different based upon your specific supply chain and whether it is moving domestically or internationally.

For typical domestic intermodal shipments, the process looks like this: pickup from origin location and drayage to a rail yard where it is loaded onto the rail train for transport to its next destination. Upon arrival, it is picked up by a drayage carrier for final transport to the receiver’s location.            

For an international shipment, the process includes the freight’s transportation through a port hub. If we begin the intermodal shipping process once the cargo arrives to its destination port, it would then be drayed off port to a rail hub for transport to its next destination. A drayage carrier would then be scheduled to pick it up from its destination rail hub for final transport to the receiver’s warehouse or location.  

Intermodal shipping offers several benefits, including cost savings, reliable capacity and sustainable options for your supply chain. By utilizing multiple modes of transport – such as rail, truck, and ocean – you expand your capacity options and potentially reduce your fuel usage to achieve cost savings and a more sustainable supply chain.

For a detailed breakdown of the advantages and considerations, explore our blog on the Pros and Cons of Intermodal Transport.

Intermodal shipping is extremely versatile and can move most commodities. Some common examples include electronics, agricultural products, clothing, vehicles, machinery and construction materials.

It can also accommodate specialized shipments such as refrigerated and frozen goods in reefers or temperature-controlled containers, as well as liquids in tank containers and hazardous materials. 

Yes, shippers can use intermodal shipping for their cross-border freight needs. There are several Class 1 Railroads that offer service to and from Mexico: Union Pacific, BNSF Railway, CPKC, and Ferromex.

The top US. Mexico ports of entry by rail are: Laredo, TX; Eagle Pass, TX; Nogales, AZ; El Paso, TX, and Brownsville, TX.