Trucking is a great industry with many aspects, so what is meant by intermodal trucking companies? Some will say that is easy to answer others will say it isn’t a simple answer. So I will attempt to answer it both ways.
The simple answer to what are intermodal trucking companies is rather short and sweet. Intermodal trucking companies are those that transport containers and/or trailers without ever touching the freight within.
The entire container or trailer is handled as one unit, from a transportation point of view.
Intermodal freight handling is most associated with shipping and rail cargo transportation. The merchandise, equipment, supplies, or whatever, is loaded at the point of origination.
It is sealed, locked and/or otherwise secured with a container, trailer, or other means and then transported unopened until it reaches its final destination.
Now this is usually required the loading and offloading of the container (or whatever) a couple of times but the actual freight is not touched. So what do I mean?
Here is an example of the possible process:
- A factory in China loads a container, sealed and locked.
- The container is loaded on a railcar and transported to the shipping port.
- There it is offloaded from the train and loaded onto a cargo ship.
- The ship travels across the Pacific to a port in California.
- There it is offloaded from the ship to a railcar and transported to Reno.
- Again offloaded to a truck and hauled to Las Vegas.
- There it is finally opened and processed, however the customer desires.
Ok, obviously I left out a few steps, but the point is there. There is an exception to the opening and that is of course for Customs inspections or other law enforcement related legal reasons.
But the freight is moved along from point A and ends at point B with minimal handling.
Why Would Someone Use Intermodal Trucking Companies?
Well I thought after the brief explanation it would be obvious. There is less handling of the freight so the transportation process is quicker.
It reduces cost, again because of limited handling. And it reduces the chances of theft and damage. So this way you protect the freight!
Few Other Points about Intermodal Transportation
There is one term I will touch on, because it is one of the more common in regards to intermodal trucking companies.
Have you heard of drayage? This term which is used in the transportation industry and logistics is defined as transportation of merchandise and cargo over a short distance. An example would be from the rail to the warehouse, which might be across town.
Drayage comes from the days of horses. Obviously they can only go so far in a day. I know you see in the movies the horse and rider go and go for hundreds of miles in a day.
But remember ‘True Grit’ (though some preferred the John Wayne version); the horse could only get them so far before it wore out. Well the same was with the dray horse. So it was used more for local and/or short trips.
Well that concept has carried over into the modern world of big trucks or in other words class 8 trucks.
They usually go on day trips at the most. They are a very important part of the overall transportation industry. And that is why there are many intermodal trucking companies, or at least those who perform drayage as an additional part of their services.
Now, if you want to learn more there are of course numerous resources available on how to get registered as one of the intermodal companies.
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You will need to become familiar with the various responsibilities associated with it, and like everything in the trucking world there are specific terms by FMCSA that are used.
As I stated earlier there are numerous intermodal trucking companies that offer such services. Some do it exclusively and others are used as needed. Many of the larger shipping companies have their own trucks and company drivers as well.
But here is a rough sampling of the hundreds of intermodal trucking companies across the USA. You may have used one of these or you might have even worked with/for them.
But here is a good look at a few of the intermodal trucking companies; some of the best ones out there, that can support your intermodal transport needs.
10. Ameri-Co Carriers Inc.
Ameri-Co Carriers, Inc, part of AMCOL International Corp, is a leader in the trucking industry and one of the top intermodal trucking companies.
They offer everything you need from a trucking company; this includes their specialty with dry van and flatbed, as we as other dedicated services.
With more than 180 trucks, they can handle all your service needs. While, at the same time with their professional staff, they can provide you all the transportation support you’ll need anywhere throughout the Continental USA and even in Canada.
Ameri-Co Carriers, Inc. is based in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and they have been in the transportation industry for more than 50 years!
They have grown to having operations centers in other areas all the better to support your operational needs. So whether you’re looking for intermodal trucking companies or support, give Ameri-Co a call and see what they can do.
9. Cummings Transport
When looking for intermodal trucking companies give Cummings Transport a call and see if they can support your needs.
With a knowledgeable staff they can provide all the logistics solutions to better assist your needs.
So, whether it is farming equipment or building materials Cummings has got you covered!
