With evolving technology, the method of shipping a container holding freight from one vehicle to another without having to handle the cargo itself has come up with a tremendous growth from ships and rails to include trucks and barges. Advanced technology and growing E-commerce trends allow customers to order products of their choice from literally any part of the world, which results in the sudden emergence of compelling worldwide competition. To rise above the competition and stand in the market, shipping companies need to be able to provide the same goods faster and more efficiently than their competitive entity. Keeping this in mind, many improvements and innovation in every branch of the transportation supply chain, including infrastructure and logistics have been made to achieve this.

In facilitating international trade with complete ease, the practice of intermodal transportation has become one of the essential needs. The term intermodal transportation is coined from the fact of integrating two or more modes of transportation for the seamless movement of cargoes from countries to countries with no delay in deliveries. Intermodal transportation isn’t new and it is in practice for centuries. Its origin dates back to the 18th century. Since then various amendments and improvements have been made in intermodalism and today it is culminating at a greater pace.

You might have noticed ubiquitous 40’ shipping containers offloaded at ports, large or small, or being hauled by trucks, or loaded on those railway pallets you see parading by you while you are waiting in your vehicles at a railway crossing. In a generalized way, containerized cargo after arriving from overseas is moved from port to the railway yard for shipment within the domestic boundary. The cargo is further moved & loaded onto the rail and transported to the next location. After the arrival of cargo at the destined port, it is loaded in trucks to be delivered to the final consignee’s destination. This is how the overall process goes on. At LOTUS Containers, we serve you with 360-degree intermodal container transportation services offering you immense flexibility, reliability and cost cutting benefits.

Shading some lights on benefits associated with the Intermodal Transportation System-

Cut Spending

Considering intermodal for long-distance freight transportation saves a good sum of money in the coffer. To answer how- Fuel becomes a major expense in facilitating transportation. Using rail over road provides major savings on fuel. As compared to long hauling trucks, trains use much less diesel. A train has the capacity to move a ton of freight to 450 miles on one gallon of diesel. Another money-saving feature is the use of shipping containers to transport freight as they do not require individual handling during multiple loading and unloading. This cuts down the transportation cost because containers can easily be fitted into any mode.

Consistent Capacity

Combining various modes of transportation and division of activities amongst various modes somewhat gives a way to increase capacity. During the high season, driver shortage and capacity become a big challenge for shippers to avail their customers with flexible services and this is where the role of intermodal comes into play. Rather than paying extra for guaranteed capacities, or bending backward to accommodate carriers, companies sort out these issues by shipping cargo via intermodal at any time and also at reasonable rates.

Reliable Service

There is no dubiety in saying that combining separate modes of transportation all together offer better and qualitative services. The system was introduced keeping in mind to diminish the challenging factors. Shippers have discovered that it is faster than OTR, as associated companies are now laser focused to enhance train speed to reduce delivery time.

A means of Safety

Intermodal transportation acts safer eliminating various handlings of the freight while switching modes, which reduces loss, damages, and hence drivers can handle more loads in a small period. Switching to trains provides even greater safety as trains are on a fixed track and are less likely to meet with accidents while carrying hazardous or flammable liquids. Besides, securities provided at terminals, ramps, rail tracks prevent theft and robbery.

Convenience

Shipping companies offer intermodal services, intending to provide a more convenient way to deliver consignment on time. Not only it deals with capacity but technological advancement has made it as efficient and reliable as shipping OTR. With the use of various technological services such as ITS and TMS, consumers can track and trace their cargoes in real-time. With so much of benefits and convenience associated with intermodal, it has become one of the favorite choices of shippers and Carrier Company as well.

So now when you know that intermodal can just untangle your shipment why not gain complete benefits of it? Hire us because we do not just solve your containerization issue but also arranges intermodal transportation to make your shipping experience a happier one.