4 Benefits of Intermodal Drayage

As the logistics industry evolves, so do the various methods utilized to transport goods. Efficiency is the name of the game, and the faster you can ship while saving money, the better.

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That’s why intermodal drayage services are becoming a popular transportation choice among shippers across the country. This consists of moving goods with multiple modes of transportation instead of relying on a single mode.

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For example, trucks are used to transport freight from port to rail, providing various benefits, which we discuss next!

Why Intermodal Drayage Works: 4 Benefits You Need to Know

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Here’s why intermodal drayage can optimize your supply chain.

1. Choices and Planning

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For one, shippers can get creative with how they want to transport cargo. You don’t have to stick to trucking only. Instead, it helps to plan routes ahead of time and see if one mode works better for a trip than another mode, which leads us to the next big benefit…

2. Fuel Efficiency

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One of the biggest perks of utilizing intermodal services is the money saved on fuel. Trucks guzzle gas, especially if you’re shipping from coast to coast. However, by adding rail transport into the mix for long-distance travel, you can save quite a bit on fuel.

3. It’s More Environmentally Friendly

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Trains give off fewer carbon emissions than trucks since they use less fuel. Since the logistics industry has a reputation for contributing heavily to the global carbon footprint, it’s smart to cut back as much as possible, and intermodal drayage is one way to achieve this.

4. Streamlines the Supply Chain

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Finally, intermodal drayage makes it a bit easier to get freight moved without delays since loaded containers are moved from the truck to the train without the need for removing packaged goods. 

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Not only is this faster, but it’s convenient for truckers, who get to experience shorter trips instead of spending hours on the road.

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