It’s known as intermodal transportation when you move your goods using two or more transport modes, such as rail, truck, ship, or air. Compared to other modes of transportation, intermodal trucking is cost-saving, environmentally efficient, and flexible. But sometimes, this suffers specific challenges, affecting the transition of your goods.
In this post, we will discuss the ways to overcome intermodal transportation challenges.
Assess your current network
Assessing your current network is essential to identifying the best modes and routes for transporting your goods. Consider distance, volume, weight, speed, cost, and service level during assessment.
At KCH, we assess whether the current network is challenging, and the chances of mistakes are high. We use different tools and online software to analyze and compare scenarios. Assessment helps us maintain an optimal balance between efficiency and effectiveness in our operations.
Choose your transportation partner carefully.
Moving your goods with the right international intermodal transportation broker is essential. It helps if you work with a reliable and reputable intermodal service broker and intermediary ready to meet your requirements and expectations.
Also, the broker should maintain clear and consistent communication and collaborate with you and your other partners. Remember, your decision to choose an intermodal transportation partner reduces risks and improves performance, and it matters.
Adapt to changes and uncertainties.
When using intermodal trucking service, be aware of changes and uncertainties. Always check the weather forecast and anticipate external factors that can affect the movement of your goods. Be prepared with contingency plans and backup options to overcome emergencies and delays.
When you adapt to changes and uncertainties, you increase resilience and responsiveness in the transportation process.
Integrate your systems and processes.
Along with working with an intermodal transportation provider, you should have systems and processes for the seamless movement of goods. Technology and the definition of specific standards facilitate the easy and quick exchange of information and documents between different modes and partners.
Your objective should be to streamline and automate your operations and, most importantly, eliminate redundancies and errors. This will help you enhance your traceability and visibility.
Use the right equipment.
Using the right equipment and optimizing your infrastructure can overcome a significant challenge related to intermodal transportation. Define your specifications and dimensions for different modes and pallets.
The use of the right equipment ensures safety and quality, reducing costs and waste. Make sure you share your requirements with your service provider.
Conclusion
Intermodal transportation comes with specific challenges because it includes multiple transportation modes. But, if you keep your strategies right, you can overcome the challenges effectively and efficiently. One strategy is working with the right intermodal trucking partner. At KCH Transportation, we can handle all the challenges and deliver the goods to your destination without any problem. If you partner with us, you don’t have to worry about your goods; instead, you can focus on other aspects of your company while we care for the rest.
