So, what is intermodal drayage, exactly?

In the world of shipping and logistics, intermodal refers to the use of more than one mode of transportation to move a container or trailer. Drayage refers to the transport of cargo over a short distance, or as part of a longer distance. To ship cargo, combining the use of truck, rail and ocean is seen as an effective way to meet the modern day shipping time and cost demands that long-haul, over-the-road trucking fails to do.

Why choose intermodal drayage?

Mainly trucks have been used for long-haul shipping overland. Now, with high gas prices, a shortage of drivers, new Hours-of-Service rules and strict safety regulations, sole dependence on trucks is diminishing. Indeed, shipping trends are seeing a shift in priorities, focusing on reliable, secure, environmentally friendly and cost effective ways to move precious cargo smoothly and safely.

Trains are quickly taking over, and billions of dollars have been invested into revamping rail lines for intermodal use by opening new intermodal terminals, upgrading tracks, and improving the infrastructure as a whole. Instead of relying excessively on trucks to make the entire trip, shippers utilize them for shorter distances, bringing goods to the railroad at the beginning of a move and then picking up goods for delivery at the end of a move. Using rail transportation for the bulk of distance saves on money since a locomotive needs less diesel than a truck. Less fuel also means less carbon emissions; a solid win-win.

Trains also save on time and man-power since they can carry a lot more than a truck can carry in a single trip. Say you’ve got a fleet of empty containers to move; it’s much more convenient and sustainable to move them by train all at once instead of using multiple trucks to do the job. Not only does this shave off a good deal of time; it makes it easier to keep track of all moving containers.

US 1 Logistics Network offers supreme intermodal drayage services to ensure that your cargo gets from point A to point B at the lowest possible cost. Our intermodal drayage experts have years of professional experience safely transporting shipments of all types and sizes. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get a quote.