Debunking the Myths Surrounding Intermodal Transportation

Intermodal is the hottest way to ship in 2021, and it’s no mystery as to why. By combining multiple modes of transportation (truck, air, rail, and ship) you can save time and money while reducing your carbon footprint in the process.

As well, you can enjoy a greater peace of mind knowing that you’ve got a backup method of transportation in case something goes awry along the supply chain. After all, you never know when a storm can crop up or road construction can keep a truck at a standstill in traffic.

Of course, you’re going to hear whispers of why intermodal doesn’t work- you find that with any type of process. In this post, we are going to discuss the most common misconceptions, and why they’re not true.

Myth #1: Intermodal has a slow transit time

As soon as you hear “multiple modes of transportation” it’s natural to automatically assume that all that stopping and switching is more complicated and time-consuming. That’s actually not true!

While it takes a truck up to 2 days to move goods locally, a train can travel over 1,000 miles in 2-3 days. That’s because there are less delays to worry about with trains. There are no traffic jams, construction, breakdowns or weather issues like with a long haul trucking. Trains move seamlessly from point A to point B.

Myth #2: Intermodal is not reliable

This isn’t true, at least not anymore! Technology has evolved significantly over the years, bringing improved accuracy and streamlined practices to the supply chain as a whole. With software like AEI tags and TMS, it’s easier than ever to track shipments from anywhere, even with a smartphone.

Myth #3: Intermodal increases damages

Technically this could be applied to any sector of the transportation industry. With millions of loads on the move every day world-wide, of course damages are bound to occur. This can’t be isolated to the intermodal industry alone. 

Damages occur because goods aren’t packaged properly or they’re mishandled. In other words, it’s more or less human error- and it happens. Innovative practices and equipment are constantly being introduced to lessen the risk of damages,