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  • July 17, 2025

What is Intermodal Shipping?

Intermodal freight is a modern logistics solution in charge of the transportation of the products and raw materials transported in a container using multiple modes of transportation. This method allows businesses to move goods from one place in an efficient and cost effective way. 

Characteristics of Intermodal Freight 

Containerization: Freight is transported in standardized containers, which makes transfers easier between transport modes. 

Flexibility: Intermodal freight can transport different types of goods.

Cost Efficiency:  optimizes costs by using the most economical mode to transport goods. 

Sustainability: Reduces carbon footprint by utilizing fuel efficient modes like ZEV’s, ships or rail. 

Types of Intermodal  

There some types of intermodal used to transport goods, such as: 

Rail – Road: Goods are transported by truck to train, and travel long distances to then be transported by another truck to its destination. 

Rail – Water: Freight is moved via rail to a port and then it is loaded onto a ship to be transported to another port. 

Truck – Water: Goods are transported by truck to a port, then loaded onto a ship to get to another port for then be transported by truck again for final delivery. 

Truck- Air: Cargo is moved by truck to an airport, transported via airplane to get to another destination, and finally they are transported by another truck. 

Pipeline Intermodal: Liquid and gas products are transported through pipelines, then being transported by road or rail transport to the final destination.

Rail – Air Intermodal: Goods are transported by rail to an airport, then loaded onto an airplane and finally transported by rail again. 

Intermodal brings different benefits to a company increasing the efficiency of it, some benefits are : 

 

Improved Efficiency 

Intermodal freight avoids headwinds, such as traffic, and helps to keep goods moving 

Scalability

This mode is used both in small and large businesses.

Reduced Congestion 

It alleviates the pressure on roads and networks.

Enhanced Security 

Since containers are sealed and tracked, it reduces the risk of loss or theft. 



Challenges in Intermodal Freight 

Like any other process, intermodal also comes with its challenges. 

Infrastructure: Delays can be caused by poor installation of intermodal terminals or lack of connectivity between transportation modes. 

Coordination Complexity: delays and scheduling issues can challenge the correct functioning of the operation. 

Handling and Transfer Delays: transporting goods via different modes can bring challenges due to congestion at ports causing delays.

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