When you are building a supply chain, it is mandatory to go beyond the ocean. Novis Logistics Solutions is one of the recognised companies offering intermodal freight services. We have been in this industry for several years and are particular about the quality of work we do.
Therefore, if you need an experienced professional to address your requirements, we are at your service.
What are the steps we follow for intermodal freight services?
Intermodal freight services have become increasingly popular due to their cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and environmental benefits. This process integrates multiple modes of transport—such as trucks, trains, and ships—to move goods from the point of origin to the destination efficiently.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved in intermodal freight services, highlighting the coordination and processes that ensure timely, secure, and economical freight movement.
Planning and Coordination –
The first step in intermodal freight services is thorough planning and coordination. The logistics provider and shipper assess the shipment’s requirements, including destination, type of goods, weight, and volume.
It is based on these factors that we determine the best intermodal route and combination of transport modes, selecting rail, truck, or maritime options to minimise costs and reduce transit times. Further, this planning phase involves scheduling and sequencing transportation, ensuring each leg of the journey seamlessly transitions to the next.
Container Loading and Pickup –
After planning, the cargo is loaded into standardised intermodal containers, which are designed to be easily transferred between different transportation modes. These containers provide security, reduce handling risks, and streamline the transfer process.
Once loaded, a trucking service picks up the container from the shipper’s location and transports it to the nearest rail or port facility, initiating the intermodal journey. Loading and securing the freight within the container is critical to prevent damage, especially if it’s a long-distance journey with multiple transfers.
Initial Transport and Terminal Processing –
At this stage, the cargo reaches a terminal, such as a rail yard or port, where it is prepared for the next leg of transport. Terminal staff handles the processing and documentation, ensuring the cargo meets regulatory and safety standards for the upcoming mode.
This includes checking cargo weight, labelling, and documentation verification. For international shipments, customs documentation and clearance procedures are also handled here. The container is then loaded onto a train or ship for the next phase.
Rail or Maritime Transport –
Depending on the route, the container may travel by rail for long-haul domestic routes or by ship for international or coast-to-coast routes. Rail transport is fuel-efficient, cost-effective for long distances, and suitable for heavy loads. Ships, on the other hand, provide the best solution for international shipments, offering capacity for larger volumes and reducing shipping costs. During this phase, the intermodal container’s contents remain secure, as the standardized containers are rarely opened until they reach the final destination.
Interchange and Handling –
Intermodal freight requires careful coordination at each interchange point. When the container arrives at a port or rail terminal, it undergoes an interchange, where it is unloaded and transferred to the next transportation mode.
Terminal operators handle the container transfer efficiently, often with specialized equipment that lifts and places containers onto trucks or another rail line. Accurate documentation and close tracking of containers ensure minimal delays and prevent misrouting.
Final Delivery –
In the final phase, a trucking service picks up the container from the last terminal and delivers it to the consignee’s location. This last-mile delivery completes the intermodal journey, providing door-to-door service.
At the destination, the container is unloaded, and the freight is inspected to confirm that it has arrived intact. The logistics provider closes out the shipment by updating records and documentation, marking the successful completion of the intermodal journey.
Conclusion
Each step in intermodal freight services requires precise coordination, proper documentation, and effective handling to achieve safe and timely deliveries. This integration of trucking, rail, and maritime transport enables cost-effective and flexible shipping solutions, helping businesses streamline their supply chains and reduce their environmental footprint. Novis Logistics Solutions will ensure you receive a satisfactory result.
FAQs
1. What is intermodal freight service?
Intermodal freight service merges multiple transportation methods like trucks, trains, and ships for efficient goods transfer. Containers are loaded and sealed at the origin and remain untouched until reaching the final destination, allowing for seamless transfers between transport modes without repacking.
2. What are the advantages of intermodal freight shipping?
Intermodal freight shipping is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and versatile. It offers competitive rates for long-distance hauls, reduces carbon emissions by using fuel-efficient rail or maritime transport, and minimizes cargo handling, lowering the risk of damage during transit.
3. How does intermodal freight compare to traditional trucking?
While trucking provides door-to-door service, intermodal combines rail, sea, and road options to optimize costs and speed for longer hauls. Rail and ship modes are more fuel-efficient than trucks, especially for heavy or bulk cargo, making intermodal ideal for shippers looking to cut costs and environmental impact on long-distance routes.
4. What kinds of goods are eligible for intermodal shipping?
Intermodal shipping is well-suited for non-perishable goods, bulk materials, and packaged items, such as consumer goods, electronics, and automotive parts. However, items requiring fast delivery or specialized conditions, like perishables, may not be ideal for intermodal unless well-coordinated for transit time.
5. How are containers transferred between transportation modes?
Containers are transported in standardized units, making transfers between trucks, trains, and ships seamless. Special handling equipment at terminals loads containers directly from one mode to another, minimizing handling and expediting the transfer process.
6. Is intermodal freight shipping secure?
Yes, intermodal freight is highly secure. Items are initially loaded into a sealed and standardized receptacle at the source, which stays closed until they arrive at the final goal. This reduces handling and minimizes the risk of loss or damage, providing secure transit for valuable goods.