Northstar Transport Services Locations

Since 2014, Northstar Transport Services has grown and expanded our footprint to several locations. At each site, we aim to provide outstanding service to our customers by ensuring their shipments are moved quickly, with care, and cost-efficient. We can do this because of our experienced trucking professionals and a dedicated fleet of owner-operators. With our locations being fenced in, lit up, and secured with high-resolution cameras, there is plenty of safety and security. Our sites have local drayage to regional drayage and over-the-road trucking. Read on to learn more about our locations at Northstar.

Charleston

Our Charleston location is just a few miles from the Port of Charleston marine terminals. It sits on four clean, fenced-in acres, secured with high-resolution cameras. Some services include local drayage to, regional drayage, and over-the-road trucking.

Miami

Our Miami location has been servicing our south Florida trucking community since 2013. It is located between the ports of Miami and Port Everglades. We are located in Miami Gardens, FL, with access to I-95, I-75, and State Road 826. Like our Charleston location, our services include local drayage, regional, and over-the-road trucking services. Our experienced staff members have worked with the Miami and Port Everglade container business for over 25 years.

We operate and use our fleet of chassis running radical tires to avoid costly road breakdowns. Our Miami location is fenced and lit up with 24-hour manned security.

New York/New Jersey

Our New York/New Jersey location is just minutes from the largest port on the east coast. Our staff has been working together in the container business and servicing the NJ shipping community since 2000. In addition to Miami, this location avoids costly road breakdowns by having its fleet of chassis running radical tires. It also provides local drayage, regional and over-the-road trucking services, and a fenced-in and lit terminal with high-resolution cameras.

Norfolk

Our Norfolk terminal, strategically located in Chesapeake, VA, is easily accessible to all Norfolk and Portsmouth Marine terminals and rail ramps. This location is also fenced in and lit, with high-resolution video cameras and services such as local drayage and regional and over-the-road trucking.

Philadelphia

Our Philadelphia location is less than a mile from Packer Avenue Marine Terminal and CSX Intermodal’s facility, strategically placed in the hub of Philly’s intermodal container industry. Being able to source equipment from these facilities allows Northstar to work on bookings that are late or are on the last day of their free-time shipments. Our Philly terminal is fenced in with an electronic gate that is lit and secured with high-resolution cameras.

Atlanta

The Atlanta terminal is fenced-in, clean, and secured with high-resolution cameras on two acres of land. This location is conveniently located a few miles away from all major rail ramps. Services include local drayage, regional drayage, and over-the-road trucking.

Jacksonville

Our Jacksonville location has a great, experienced group of staff members and a dedicated fleet of owner-operators to provide our customers with secure, fast, and cost-effective services, ranging from local drayage to regional and over-the-road trucking.

Tampa

Our port in Tampa is located in the Port of Tampa Bay intermodal container industry. Being 1.2 miles from Tampa Bay Container Terminal and 15 minutes from CSX Intermodal Terminal allows us to source equipment from either facility to accommodate late bookings or have the last day of free-time shipments. Services range from local drayage to regional and over-the-road trucking.

Savannah

Northstar Transport Services is happy to announce that we now have a terminal in Savannah, GA! Inquire more about this new port on our website.

At Northstar Transport Services, our services include Local, Regional & Over the Road, Full Containers, Reefer Containers, Hazardous Materials, Heavy Overweight Containers, Transload Services, United States Customs and Border Protection Bonded Carrier, Owned Fleet of 40’ & 20’ Chassis, Specialized Tri-Axle for Overweight Containers, and more. Contact us today for more information on our locations, services, and contacts. You can also request a quote, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Intermodal vs. Multimodal Transportation

Intermodal and multimodal transportation both involve moving cargo and shipments from one location to another through various methods such as ship, truck, rail, or barge. There are features and benefits to both modes of transportation, depending on the needs of your business and cargo. Read on to learn more about the differences between intermodal and multimodal transportation.

Intermodal Shipping

Intermodal shipping is defined as cargo being transported by several people or modes of transportation. There are multiple carriers throughout the shipping journey who will have independent contracts. Intermodal shipping has a significant amount of involvement and coordination with each carrier to ensure that the cargo is going where it needs to.

Advantages

Intermodal shipping advantages include the following:

Sustainable: It can be more sustainable to choose who your providers are. Some providers and modes of transportation are better for the environment and can reduce carbon emissions. By choosing environmentally friendly carriers, you can increase efficiency and reduce costs by streamlining the supply chain. It can also give vehicles a longer life.

Fast: Having the option of selecting what method of transportation can allow you to choose the quickest way.

Road Safety: With multiple carriers and modes of transport, roads are less congested, reducing traffic and waste that would typically be produced.

Cost Effective: There is always an option to choose a carrier with lower rates. You can do your own research to determine the best carrier with the best deal.

Multimodal Transportation

Multimodal transportation is defined as having several modes of transportation used by the same carrier. Each mode has a different carrier or single carrier with one contract. The same carrier will move the shipment through all modes of transportation.

Advantages

Multimodal shipping advantages include the following:

Coordination: The benefit of having one contract under one carrier is that they will be easy to follow up with about the process and what their contract entails. It can be tracked and easily monitored with one carrier transporting.

Security: Because there is one carrier, your shipment’s security will increase. This gives the carrier the responsibility and liability of a situation where damage or theft takes place. One carrier can be held solely responsible and will help with losses.

Savings: One carrier may reduce costs and allow the cargo to be shipped more efficiently since it is through one contract. It can be done through their multiple modes of transportation, and they can choose the best and quickest option for both parties.

Accessibility: There is more access to remote parts of the world that only specific transportation methods and carriers can reach.

Intermodal transportation and multimodal transportation do have some of the same advantages. Some of these include efficient transportation, reduction of inventory and freight costs, and increased sustainability. Whether you use intermodal or multimodal transportation, ensure your choice will meet your needs. Here at Northstar Transport Services, our primary focus has always been with our customer. We realized through the implementation of strategic company goals which focus on commitment to service we can do the best job of meeting our customers’ requirements in the most efficient and cost-effective manner with the same value-added service they have come to expect. Visit our website for more information!

Safe Driving During The Holiday Season

As the holidays and severe winter weather approach, the roads only get busier. More people will be out on the road due to shopping, traveling, and delivering packages. With increased traffic and questionable weather conditions, it is crucial to be extra attentive when working this time of year, especially while truck driving. Here are some tips you can follow while on the road this holiday season.

Maintain your Truck

Drivers should know how full their fuel tank is. Not only should your tank be full, but you should try to keep it full to add more weight and give your wheels more traction. A full tank will also prevent any build-up of condensation in the fuel lines that inhibit the truck from turning on.

Drivers should also maintain their headlights to prevent anything from obstructing their view. If lights aren’t properly working or are covered in dirt or snow, drivers should find a safe place to pull over and clean them immediately to keep debris from building up.

Not only will that result in safer driving conditions for you and others on the road, but it will be easier to see road conditions and any animals that may try to cross your path.

Be Patient

With the holiday stress of traveling and the pressure to arrive at your destination on time, it can be hard to remember to be patient. Motorists on the road may drive chaotically with less patience, which could cause accidents. It may not be your fault if someone cuts in front of your lane, but how you handle the situation is up to you. Avoiding being in a rush and speeding will prevent rollovers and jackknifes. Going slow during holiday traffic and unpleasant weather conditions is the easiest way to avoid an accident. You must not tailgate and give extra space between you and the person in front of you. Winter weather is unforgiving sometimes, so cautiously keeping your distance can prevent a very problematic situation. Even when there isn’t snow or slush, holiday traffic can be just as troublesome - so be patient and maintain your distance!

Be Aware of Surroundings

It may seem self-explanatory, but there are a few things to be aware of while truck driving in winter weather. First, maintain control by using a firm grip on the wheel. Both hands should be gripped on the wheel while driving through snow and ice in case of a sudden occurrence. Keep a firm grasp throughout driving situations such as lane changes, bridges, and work zones.

• Lane changes should be limited since big rigs have a lot of blind spots. When changing lanes, alert others on the road early so they can move out of the way. It is advised to stay in the right lane and cruise to lower the risk of sideswipes. This will make driving easier for everyone.

• Another condition to be aware of is driving over bridges. While going over a bridge, you should go slower than normal to prevent hydroplaning or causing a possible accident. Bridges freeze much faster than roads, so there is a greater chance of black ice on the ground. Slowing down and approaching with patience will lower the risk of harm.

• The last area to pay close attention to is the work zone. Even during the holidays, construction does not stop. There is a hefty fine if you do not slow down to ensure the safety of the workers on site. Slow down for the workers’ safety and yourself as well.

Following these tips during the holiday season can ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road. At Northstar Transport Services, our goal is to provide a fast, safe, and cost-efficient movement of our customer’s container shipments with a staff of trucking professionals. We provide local, regional, and over-the-road services and specialize in full containers, reefer containers, heavy overweight containers, transporting hazardous materials, and transload services. Learn more about our company and services on our website and request a quote today! Stay safe this holiday season, and enjoy time with family and friends.