Intermodal
Intermodal freight is cargo transported in a standardized container that moves between two or more modes of transportation (truck, rail, ship) without being unloaded and reloaded between transfers.
In Depth
Intermodal shipping uses ISO containers that fit on ships, trains, and truck chassis. Drayage carriers handle the first and last mile by truck, while rail carries the bulk of the distance.
Intermodal is typically 20–30% cheaper than over-the-road for long hauls over 500 miles but is slower due to rail transit times and terminal handling.
Usage Example
Example: 'The container moved from Shanghai by ship to Los Angeles, then intermodal rail to Chicago, and finally drayage to the warehouse.'
Related Terms
Drayage
Drayage is the short-distance transport of freight, typically from a port, rail terminal, or intermodal facility to a nearby warehouse or distribution center. Drayage carriers specialize in short hauls within 50–150 miles of major freight hubs.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
LTL (Less Than Truckload) is a freight shipping method where multiple shippers share space on the same truck, each paying for only the portion of the trailer they use. LTL is used for shipments too large for parcel carriers but too small to fill a full trailer.
FTL (Full Truckload)
FTL (Full Truckload) is a freight shipping method where a single shipper's goods fill an entire trailer. The shipper pays for exclusive use of the truck, and freight moves directly from origin to destination without intermediate stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is intermodal cheaper than trucking?
Often 20–30% cheaper for long hauls over 500 miles, but slower and less flexible than OTR trucking.