Understanding Intermodal Freight Shipping in the E-Commerce Landscape
Intermodal freight shipping is multimodal transport, typically truck and rail, while handling the cargo during transitions between modes. This procedure offers a seamless, containerized journey from the warehouse to the final hub, typically at a cost lower than trucking over the road.
For e-commerce retailers shipping large volumes across states or regions, it serves as much more than an alternative: intermodal transportation is simply a scalable solution. Rail is used for the long haul, with trucks for the first and final mile delivery to lower fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and maintain precise delivery times.
Why Intermodal Transportation Services Matter for Growing Brands
Speed and reliability are premier considerations for online retailers. Intermodal transportation services can never be as fast as air freight, but they offer a reliable time frame; trains run according to a timetable, and they have fewer problems with road delays or driver shortages, which are key factors in unpredictable logistics today.
Intermodal is more appropriate for full container orders: it is better for restocking regional distribution centers or keeping up with seasonal spikes when over-the-road capacity runs short. Less handling means less chance for the shipment to be damaged, which is crucial in keeping the customer satisfied in e-commerce.
Key Considerations Before You Make the Switch
Transitioning to intermodal transportation requires a great deal of advanced preparation. Here is a list of things e-commerce businesses should prepare for:
- Map shipping lanes to ensure access to intermodal terminals.
- Evaluate average order volume to determine if full-container shipping fits your model.
- Partner with a logistics provider experienced in intermodal shipping who understands your delivery SLAs and packaging standards.
- Use robust TMS (transportation management systems) to gain visibility into intermodal routes and schedules.
Commence with small, manageable tests: Try one or two lanes and some KPIs, such as delivery time, damage claims, and cost per shipment.
Conclusion: KCH Transportation Makes Intermodal Easy
Intermodal shipping is not only for legacy retailers with significant financial resources anymore; if the right strategy is applied, a modern brand may utilize it to achieve sustainable growth and on-time deliveries. KCH Transportation offers intermodal transportation services to online businesses.
We help optimize FCL (Full Container Loads) and ensure that the final mile delivery is on time. As soon as you go intermodal, you can count on our full support.
Are you set to begin utilizing the power of intermodal transport? Give KCH Transportation a call for complete logistics advice.
