Is Drayage an Intermodal Transport Option?

In the world of shipping and logistics, intermodal transport is an all-encompassing term. It refers to the practice of using more than one mode of transport to move goods, such as maritime, rail and truck transport. Cross-docking is a type of cargo movement system that promotes a smooth and seamless supply chain. Intermodal transport is the practice of using more than one mode of transport to move goods.

This is often done by loading cargo into intermodal containers, which helps shipments move seamlessly between different modes of transport. It is increasingly known that relying on more than just a means of transport to ship a container is proving to be more efficient, not only by saving time and money, but also by eliminating the pressure of finding a solution when one mode doesn't work, and also by reducing the carbon footprint. In addition, transport is usually part of a larger shipment, a shipment that is usually intermodal. This is the reason why shipping containers are often used, since they facilitate the transfer of cargo from one mode to another. This also means that transport is almost always part of an intermodal shipment at some point. Transportation is a term that emerged in the shipping industry before there were many trucks on the roads.

The original transport cart was a sideless cart drawn by horses, and was used to move large loads over short distances. Today, we use the four main modes of transportation, ships, trucks, airplanes and railroad cars, interchangeably to define intermodal service. Freight transport refers to the transportation of cargo over a short distance by truck or as part of a longer distance. Transportation still refers to the movement of goods over short distances, but it can also include the entire shipping process using the different modes of transport. Like intermodal transport, materials can be received from truck containers, railroads, or oceans. Transportation is defined as the transportation of goods over a short distance, typically as a small part of a longer and more complex supply chain system. The term transportation refers to a specialized transportation service needed to move large containers for a truck, ship, or railroad.

In maritime transport, transportation is a fundamental step in moving cargo. This is still a form of transport, since it involves short trips, but it can result in enormous cost savings, since it practically eliminates the traditional step of unloading and loading the units onto smaller trucks before they are finally delivered by a third party. The transport service is then responsible for moving the cargo a short distance from the loading dock to the exhibitor space on the fair floor. In transportation services, the containers being transported usually remain in the same metropolitan area or nearby region. For cargo to enter and leave stores, especially those that do not have external loading areas, it is necessary to coordinate with a transport service to take the shipment from the delivery truck to the store window. Transportation can help fill gaps in intermodal transport. According to the North American Intermodal Association (IANA), there are more than 60 million transportation movements every year in North America. The busy world of trade shows also depends on transportation service to move exhibitors on and off site efficiently.

While transportation covers a relatively short distance, everything generally happens at a constant pace. The only way your cargo can get from the port or the intermodal terminal to the next mode of transport is by freight transport. Shippers must determine what type of transportation service best serves the cargo for delivery in order to complete the next leg of the trip. Companies that are deciding between intermodal transport and cross-docking have several points to consider:Consider the following points when choosing a full-service supply chain management company to manage your intermodal services: