Effects of the Holiday Season on Intermodal Transportation

With the holiday season comes a significant increase in demand for intermodal transportation. Not only are consumers raising the e-commerce retail sales and expecting loads of items delivered this season, but they also expect them to be delivered in an affordable and timely manner. Read on to learn more about seasonal effects on shipping during the holiday season and how they can best be handled.

Increased Rates

It’s no secret that prices go up everywhere as the holidays approach, especially with the pandemic’s effects on production and supply. Although there is no way to change the increased rates, there are ways to keep additional charges from occurring. The overall cost may be lowered if as many items as possible are grouped into a single shipment.

One solution that will save your holiday is planning. To avoid additional charges, plan ahead and avoid last-minute shipments to get a better price before the rates increase. Sometimes it can be challenging to prepare with all the chaos, but it will be worth it for you in the end. If you are unable to do either of these, then budget accordingly!

Delays

Planning doesn’t always go accordingly, so it is essential to prepare for delays. There is more work to be done with less time. This can cause late shipments in addition to inclement weather, which is likely to occur. Plan at least two or three days for any type of delay, especially if there is a blizzard on the way. Bad weather can increase transit times, cause reroutes and detours, and shut down shipping infrastructure. To decrease your chances of delays, items should be packed and shipped correctly. There may be an urgency to rush and ship off your packages, but it is important to take a few extra moments to correct how items are stacked and that pallets are in proper condition. Securing shipments will prevent delays by protecting the goods from getting damaged.

Volume and Insurance

Capacity is a premium because of the season and the many shipped items. Seasonal items such as gifts, holiday decorations, wrapping paper, and Christmas trees increase the volume immensely. Although you cannot control increased volume, getting insurance is a good idea. With such a high volume of items, a lot more can go wrong. If you are planning on using the previous tips suggesting to ship as much as possible and as fast, freight insurance will protect any damaged or lost items. Of course, every insurance provider is different, and depending on what you need to be covered, it is vital to research the right one that works best for you. Some factors vary, like freight classification, destination, or shipping record, that will affect the prices and total coverage. Regardless of what it is for, it might just save the day and save you money on those high-volume items.

Rely on Tracking and Communicating

As previously mentioned, it is crucial to plan your shipments. To help accomplish that, tracking your shipments and communicating with your team and customers will help the job be done more efficiently in case of any issues. Communicating with the carrier and ensuring the information is accurate is up to you as well. This results in a much smoother process than if anything were to happen to the shipment. Use GPS trackers or tracking numbers to see where the shipment is. Communicating this with customers and your team is relevant in case something happens and they need to be updated. Regardless, customers will want to know the status of their package and when their delivery will be made. Tracking and communicating will assist you in staying on top of shipments and up to date on deliveries.

It takes work to keep up with the flow and traffic of the holiday season. By being aware of the effects on intermodal transportation and planning for issues to occur, you can control your shipments and keep everything on track. Since 2014, Northstar Transport Services has grown and expanded our footprint to 7 locations serving the ports of New York / New Jersey, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Charleston, Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Miami. Visit our website for more information and service inquiries.

All About Reefer Containers

Whether you are familiar with them or not, reefer containers are one of the most essential types of shipping containers out there. Here at Northstar Transport Services, reefer containers are just one of our many services. But let's start with the basics. What is a reefer container? Keep reading to learn all you need to know!

What is a Reefer Container?

A reefer container is short for a refrigerated container. They typically ship items at cold temperatures and are similar to regular containers. The inside of a reefer container acts as a refrigerator where the temperature is controlled to maintain the cargo at the same temperature they were chilled to. Some everyday items transported in the containers include goods like fruits, meat, seafood, milk and dairy products, juice and beverages, wine, and pharmaceuticals. Regardless of the temperature surrounding the container, the temperature inside can range between -30°C and 30°C.

Reefer containers can be used for dry shipping cargo as well. The refrigerator unit is turned off when transporting dry cargo, then called a non-operating reefer (NOR). There is a price incentive to use NORs rather than a dry container because the loading space of a non-operating reefer is less than the space of a dry container.

Types of Reefer Containers

There are several types of reefer containers. The primary three containers include closed reefers, modified/controlled atmosphere (MA/CA) reefer containers, and automatic fresh air management containers (AFAM). Some other types are cryogenic cooling reefer containers, redundant refrigeration reefer containers, and refrigerated or cool tank containers.

The closed reefer is the most commonly used container and includes an automatic cooling and heating unit. The MA/CA keeps a constant cool atmosphere by using an air exchange system to replace consumed oxygen, ensuring that the container is up to temperature throughout the shipping process. The AFAM is similar to the CA in controlling oxygen, but it also uses sensors to control the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to extend the cargo’s shelf life.

How do they Work?

Reefer containers are meant to keep goods fresh. The container will maintain its cool temperatures, support humidity levels, stay well-ventilated, and be adequately powered to conserve the product's quality. A particular T-shaped layout allows air to properly be distributed to all of the cargo inside. No matter what severe weather conditions the container may be enduring, the inside will stay at those consistent temperatures set by the control box.

The ventilation, removal of gasses, and water drainage contribute to the quality of the goods. Fresh air must be ventilated in the container to remove the gasses, and a drainage system removes water. Certain cargo needs a specific amount of humidity, so in addition to the container being ventilated, dehumidification will be set up to the proper level for the goods to be sustained. Reefers are connected to a power source on the ship, but they are also powered by generator sets that give the refrigeration unit electricity. Equipping gensets could prevent fresh goods from going bad with a backup power source.

What is the Cost?

The cost will vary depending on if a reefer is bought or rented out and what kind of reefer is being purchased. The price has increased immensely due to the lack of availability and the ups and downs of the pandemic. It could cost about six times as much as a standard container. The price may range between $7,500 to $27,000 for new and used containers. Factors affecting the price can include the size, the cooling mechanism used, and other customizations made to the reefer container. It is suggested to buy one in order to save money and lease out that container when it is not in use.

Reefer containers are a great alternative to reefer ships and have significantly impacted trade. They have increased their market share quickly, especially since the need for them since the pandemic. For more information on reefer containers and services, contact Northstar Transport Services today!

Common Driving Issues During the Fall Season

The fall season is in full swing! The changing seasons can bring many elements that may impact truck drivers and their safety on the road. It is imperative to be on the lookout for any factors that can compromise the protection of the driver and everyone else sharing the road. Read on to learn more about driving issues that can arise during the fall season and how to combat them!

Darkness

So long, late sunsets! With fall comes shorter days and more extended periods of darkness. As visibility decreases, accidents are more likely to happen. When driving a truck, you must take extra precautions for yourself and others on the road with you. It is essential to check your car's headlights and tail lights and make sure they are functioning correctly before going on the road. Increasing the following distance when the sun goes down is also imperative. Make sure you pass slowly, take caution, and have all the room you need.

Brighter Mornings

Although the sun may be setting earlier in the evening, it shines even brighter in the morning. Like darkness, bright and sunny conditions can also affect a driver’s visibility. It can also cause a driver to overlook a pedestrian, other truck or vehicle, animal, or hazard on the road. To fix this issue, ensure the inside of your windshield is as clean as possible and utilize the sun visor in your truck. Bringing a pair of sunglasses can also help greatly. And although the temperature may be dropping, sunburn can still be an issue. Make sure to keep sunscreen packed!

Slippery Roads / Wet Conditions

Fall foliage is beautiful to admire, but falling leaves can pose a danger when mixed with increased rain or wet conditions. Leaves on the road can result in reduced tire traction, making it very easy for your truck to slide, no matter what condition your tires are in. Drivers must take caution when breaking, and if possible, do not slam on the brakes. Ensure you have enough distance from the vehicle in front of you to have adequate time to break.

Wildlife

As we head into the colder temperatures, we tend to see more of our furry friends on the road. Deer are especially more present during the fall and winter, as it is their mating season. It is imperative that drivers keep an eye out for wildlife, especially during the night. Deer and other animals may dart across the road at any time, so staying alert is key to safety. Keep an eye out for deer crossing signs, and ensure you abide by the speed limit!

Weather Changes

Fall can bring increased rainfall, wind, fog, frost, and even black ice. These elements are less than ideal for a smooth trip and could decrease visibility on the road, ultimately prolonging scheduled deliveries. Most importantly, these conditions could impact the safety of your truck and other vehicles on the road. It is essential to check the weather before your trip and make sure you are prepared for any conditions you may encounter.

Tire Pressure

Low weather temperatures often mean low tire pressure. Tire pressure typically decreases by about 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10 degrees when the temperature drops. The reason for the decrease in pressure is that the air in the tire is condensing, not escaping. It is crucial to check on your truck’s tire pressure before, during, and after trips, whenever possible. Being on a time crunch for deliveries, you don’t want to be stuck with a low or flat tire when traveling.

Fall can be the most beautiful time of year, but it can also come with additional safety hazards for intermodal truck drivers. Drivers and their employers must ensure they minimize any risk of harm when on the road. Here at Northstar Transport Services, our primary focus has always been with our customer and the safety of our drivers. 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.