Intermodal VS Truckload Shipments
Rail and truckload shipping are two primary methods for moving goods effectively within BC and across Canada and North America. However, when choosing the best mode of transportation for your business, it is crucial to review both the benefits and drawbacks of both methods as there is no “one size fits all” solution. Narrowing down a choice may be challenging but we’re here to help with some tips below.
Although both methods involve moving your cargo from A to B, they are not made equal. Intermodal shipping involves the use of two or more modes of transportation to transport your goods within a steel container, whereas truckload shipping is more direct.
Business owners may prefer and choose a particular mode of transportation out of habit, but frequently reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of both choices and how they fit into your current logistics plan will help you save money and prevent costly problems. Factors that you should be taking into consideration include:
Transit Time
How fast do you need your goods to arrive at their destination? Truckload shipping will most likely be superior when compared to intermodal when focusing on transit time alone. Intermodal may require up to three extra days if your freight needs to change between railroad lines. However, you can avoid heavy traffic with rail if your cargo will be transported through a busy route.
Origin & Destination Pairing
Truckload shipping will offer more flexibility when choosing the origins and destination pairing for your shipment as intermodal ramp locations are needed for rail whereas truckload can be shipped with very few restrictions.
Flexibility
Intermodal shipping is more rigid when compared to truckload due to the limited options available when problems arise and you need to move your freight. Your car will need to wait until it arrives at its destination ramp in order for it to be removed. In contrast, individual trucks have the flexibility to create their own schedules that fits the shipper’s specific needs.
Distance
How far is your shipment traveling? Shipments that are traveling under 500 miles or 805 km in total distance may be better suited for truckload shipping when factoring in cost and speed of delivery.
Sustainability
For businesses looking to lower their carbon footprint, intermodal is a great option as it has a more efficient km/fuel ratio.
When choosing between intermodal and truckload shipping, factors that shippers should keep in mind include:
- How high of a volume is the shipment
- How far is the distance from the origin to the destination
- How fast do the goods need to arrive
- How fragile are the products
The global landscape is constantly changing and reviewing your logistics plan frequently will not only help take your business to the next level but allow you to dodge problems that may suddenly come your way. Having an experienced and knowledgeable trucking and warehousing team that provides one-stop-shop transportation solutions will help increase efficiency and save you time and money.
As a leading provider in transportation and warehousing with authorized access to all major ports and rails, our LTL/FTL services and extensive fleet of trailers and trucks are here to help your goods move safely, securely, and on time to their final destination.
Give us a call today at (604)-276-9044 or info@sandhartrucking.com. We would love to chat with you about your needs and how we can help!