Intermodal shipping is a method of transporting cargo using multiple modes of shipping from origin to destination, without any handling of the freight itself while changing modes. Intermodal shipping utilizes special containers or trailers which allow goods to be moved directly from one mode of transportation to another without having to be repacked. Companies use intermodal shipping to move freight from one location to another in the most efficient, timely, cost effective, and environmentally friendly manner. Transportation modes used in the intermodal shipping method include trucks, railroad, ocean carriers, steamships, and airplanes. The most common combination, however, is truck and rail.

Trains can haul more cargo than a single truck, which makes rail far more efficient than trucks to move large loads. Using freight trains to haul goods also has the potential to significantly reduce environmental pollution by decreasing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. However, trains cannot be used in “door-to-door” delivery and have more limited scheduling flexibility than trucks. Intermodal shipping, therefore, combines the best attributes of both rail and truck shipping.

There are additional advantages to using intermodal shipping methods. One important benefit is the flexibility offered by this shipping method. Intermodal shipping can be used to transport a wide variety of freight, including manufactured goods, raw materials, and cars. There are even specialized refrigerated containers called “reefers” for shipping perishable food items and liquids.