Ontario Container Transport Shipping and Freight - A to Z | Page 3

What Exactly Is Intermodal
Transportation?
• Intermodal transportation is the utilization of special containers that are
designed to move large amount of cargo on freight trains, ships and trucks.
These containers are large and rectangular and are secured to trailers that are
designed to hold them. Intermodal containers are extremely durable and made
of steel. They are built so they can safely and effectively be transferred between
different types of transportation. So, if you need to ship something
internationally or from one part of the country to the other, you can rest assured
that your products are safe when you use the containers that are designed for
intermodal transportation.
• The starting and ending points of intermodal travel are usually routes on the
ocean or rails; in between these routes, large trucks are used to transport the
freight. Trucks that run between ocean freights are referred to as drayage, and
these trucks also transport goods between shipping docks and rail terminals.
• There are a number of variables that go into successful intermodal
transportation, but the most common scenario is when a truck moves an empty
container to a shipper to pick up a load of goods. The equipment is then loaded
on a freight, where a truck moves the items to a railroad yard. The goods are
transported by train to their destination and removed from the train and put on
a truck. The last truck drives the products to the customer. This is usually
beneficial for all involved parties, such the process is highly efficient.