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Intermodal

Save Money & Add Capacity

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Your freight needs to move and knowing the options with intermodal shipping can strengthen your overall logistics strategy.

Intermodal can be a cost-effective and reliable choice for shippers. If you are looking to save money, expand your supply chain options, or you are just having trouble finding a truck intermodal could be the reliable solution you need. It also offers the unique benefit of reducing your carbon footprint and adding capacity by leveraging an extensive North American rail network. For every truckload moved to intermodal, greenhouse emissions drop by 75% as one ton of rail freight can move 479 miles per gallon of fuel.

Whether you are looking for a door to door offering, drayage and port services, or would like recommendations on how a multimodal solution can improve your operations the experts at TQL can create a customized solution to help you reach your goals. TQL can offer capacity for peak season, spot, or committed needs and with more than a decade of experience in intermodal freight can offer you dependability from coast to coast.

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YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTION ON A BUDGET

Blending rail with your current capacity creates a multifunctional approach that gets your freight where it needs to be and keeps your customers happy. Working with an experienced intermodal service provider like TQL ensures you gain the full benefits of this shipping solution with the peace of mind you want including:

Added capacity especially for long-haul lanes that have consistent capacity issues, plus access to 53-foot domestic containers and 20, 40 and 45-foot international containers. 

Cost savings with price stability in the marketplace.

Flexibility for loading or unloading by utilizing a dropped container. 

Tracking and status updates available through TQL TRAX. 

Door to door service coverage throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

One point of contact when you work with TQL to streamline your communications – 24/7/365.

More Options with our Drayage network

Considered a short haul, 200 miles or less, drayage moves the container to and from the rail terminal or shipping port. As a key component to intermodal shipping, working with an experienced company ensures its capabilities are fully leveraged. TQL offers you access to a nationwide drayage network with:

  • Coverage at all ports and ramps
  • Bonded, quality carriers anywhere you need them
  • Dry and temperature-controlled capabilities
  • Warehousing and trans-loading contacts near every major port
  • Extensive nationwide network of UIIA and TWIC certified carriers

How does intermodal shipping work?

The longer the distance your freight needs to travel, the more advantageous intermodal will be with potential cost savings. As one of the fastest growing modes of transportation, it’s no wonder that 25 million containers are moved via intermodal shipping each year.

TQL's Intermodal Process

Intermodal Transit Times

Exploring intermodal for your shipments may leave you wondering about transit times. The map below illustrates the estimated transit time using rail for three scenarios. When comparing a full truckload option, the typical driver averages 550 miles per day at the industry standard of 55mph. If a truck coast to coast move is 4–5 days, adding 2–3 more for rail provides an accurate assessment for an intermodal solution.

 

Transit Times

TQL is a proud member of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA)

IANA logo

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