Intermodal Shipping Containers

Intermodal freight transport uses multiple modes of transportation to deliver your goods from their starting point to their final destination. Modes of transport can include rail, ship, truck, and plane. In intermodal shipping, your goods are never handled between bodes. Instead, the intermodal shipping container itself is transferred from one mode to the other.

Here at A-1 Auto Transport, we will be happy to arrange intermodal shipping for your vehicle or your other goods to anywhere in the world.

Why Choose Intermodal?

If you are interested in using intermodal, here are a few of the benefits and drawbacks to this mode of shipping to consider before making your decision.

The Benefits of Using Intermodal Shipping

Lower costs. Depending on the journey, intermodal shipping can be less costly than other shipping modes. If your journey covers a lot of ground, choosing intermodal will help you to save a significant sum of money. If you use multiple modes of transport without an intermodal container, you risk paying for extra handling fees.

Eco-friendly. If you are concerned about reducing your carbon footprint, using intermodal transport can be a good method. Intermodal shipping tends to use rail when appropriate, rather than trucks. Moving just one ton for one mile by rail can reduce carbon emissions by up to 83%.

Reliable. Because intermodal shipping involves using multiple modes of transport, it can be more reliable than other modes. Each stop on the journey will be carefully timed and scheduled. You should have a pretty good idea of when to expect your delivery when you choose intermodal.

Safe. If you’re concerned about the safety of your vehicle and other goods, choosing intermodal will put your mind at ease. Unlike other methods of shipment that involve a fair amount of handling on the route, intermodal shipping involves one sealed container for your goods. Once your car is inside, it should be fairly safe and risk-free for the entire journey.

Faster than other modes. When you use multiple shipment modes without an intermodal container, transitioning between these modes can be time-consuming, especially if there are other goods from other shippers in your container. By reserving your own intermodal container, transitioning between shipment modes will be quick and easy, so your goods will be less likely to be subjected to unexpected delays.

Destination flexibility. By choosing intermodal shipping, you will be more likely to find that your car can be delivered directly to your home or business. If you set up an ocean shipment, but live several miles inland, for instance, it may be more difficult to retrieve your vehicle.

The Drawbacks of Using Intermodal Shipping

More expensive. Depending on the number of modes of transport involved, intermodal can end up being more expensive than other options. While it is usually cheaper, it’s worth checking with one of our team who will be able to give you a better idea of which shipment method is likely to be the cheapest for you.

Possible delays. While intermodal shipping tends to be fairly reliable and well-timed, there is always the chance of delays. After all, the more modes of transport, the more chance of a delay in the transition.

Shipping Cars Using Intermodal Shipping

If you choose to ship your car in an intermodal container, you will reap all of the benefits of this excellent transportation method. Unlike RoRo (roll-on, roll-off), intermodal shipping allows you to store personal belongings or spare parts in the container along with your vehicle.

By choosing intermodal shipping for your vehicle, you can rest easy knowing that no one will touch your car once it’s in the container, and it will arrive at its final destination just as you left it.

Usually, intermodal shipping containers are used when cars are being shipped overseas, or in the rare occasion that your auto transport hauler breaks down on the road.

Why Choose A-1 Auto Transport for Your Intermodal Shipment

Here at A-1 Auto Transport, we have decades upon decades of experience in the auto shipping industry. We know everything there is to know about transporting your vehicle as safely and smoothly as possible. You won’t have to worry about any of the logistics or details of the shipment, as our team of professionals is here to organize everything for you.

At A-1 Auto, we are committed to delivering a high-quality service. Our carriers are always fully licensed and fully insured, so you can relax knowing that your vehicle is in the best of hands. If you’re anxious about its progress, you can always check-in using our comprehensive GPS satellite system that tracks your vehicle in real-time.

Have Questions About Intermodal Shipping?

If you’re ready to enquire about our intermodal shipping services, we are here to help. Start by using our online quote-generating service to get your free estimate. Or, give us a call to speak to one of our expert advisers about your specific query.

FAQs About Intermodal Shipping

We are here to answer all of your questions about intermodal shipping. Give us a call today if you can’t find the answer to your question.

How Much Does Intermodal Shipping Cost?

The costs of intermodal shipping can vary depending on how far your vehicle is traveling and how many modes of transport will be involved. Intermodal transport tends to be complicated and inconvenient for you as a customer. However, if it is an option you are interested in exploring, please give us a call to enquire about whether it will work for you.

How Should I Prepare My Vehicle To Be Shipped?

Because your vehicle will be in the same container for the entirety of its journey, you don’t necessarily have to prepare your car as rigorously as you would for other types of transportation. Nevertheless, we recommend giving the car a clean, servicing the engine, and leaving some gas in the tank. It’s also best practice to remove your personal items, however, do ask us about spare car parts, as we can arrange for these to be included in the container.