Different Types of Intermodal Shipping Containers

Intermodal containers are everywhere, and sometimes it can be easy to overlook how they’ve changed international trade. However, since intermodal containers were introduced, they've become a crucial part of the supply chain and logistics. An intermodal container is a freight transport unit and a large metal container shaped like a rectangular box. Typically, intermodal shipping containers are forty-foot containers or two twenty-foot containers, and the container’s contents are not loaded or unloaded during intermodal shipping. They are designed and used to transport goods from one port to another.

Intermodal shipping containers are also one of the main causes that helped the development of international trade! Read on to learn more about some of the most common shipping containers that are used in the intermodal shipping industry:

1. Dry storage containers

A dry storage container is the most commonly used intermodal container. It is mainly used for storing and transporting dry materials such as wooden or cardboard crates, pallets, barrels, or drums. This type of container is completely airtight and is not equipped with cooling or ventilation systems like refrigerated and ventilated containers. Dry storage containers are available in 10 ft, 20ft, and 40 ft.

2. Flat Rack

These containers are equipped with collapsible sides, which can fold to make a flat, rack-like model. Flat racks are mainly used for transporting tall/comprehensive materials like wood, pipes, heavy machinery, etc., because no roof is attached.

3. Tank

Tank containers contain anti-corrosive materials for transporting fluids, powders, and more. This type of container must be at least 80% full to prevent the surging of fluids, but it shouldn’t be more than 95% full so that thermal expansion is possible. These are just general classifications based on the function and requirements of the container. However, they are often customized according to the shipping needs.

4. Open top containers

An open-top container is a dry storage container, but unlike a traditional dry storage container, it does not have a roof. This container is used to transport large items that are too heavy for manual handling or cannot fit into a standard dry storage container. The opening of an open-top container is smaller than the container’s interior, so there is less room for movement when packing your cargo.

5. Refrigerated shipping containers

Refrigerated freight containers are prepared with a system that maintains an internal temperature of between -35ºC and + 15ºC. Therefore, these containers must always be connected to an external power source. They are specially used to ship temperature and time-sensitive, perishable cargo such as fish, meat, medicines, and pharmaceutical products.

Why Should You Use Intermodal Shipping Containers?

There are many reasons to utilize intermodal shipping containers. Thankfully, you do not need to load and unload cargo with intermodal containers several times. Instead, you pack the goods once in the container and use them throughout the transportation journey. This saves time, effort, and money! As said above, intermodal containers don’t require additional operations and time. They even omit empty miles that directly translate into saving money. Thus, they are the most cost-effective for logistic businesses.

With intermodal transportation also comes the rail industry. The rail industry increases the range of transporting vast amounts of cargo efficiently, and intermodal containers prove to be the best choice for this. Reliability and effectiveness are the deciding factors of a promising industry. The entire process of shipping has become more reliable, quick, and efficient. Because of the stringent ISO guidelines and standards, intermodal containers eradicate the risk of any dangerous accidents.

At Northstar, our success and sustainability have come through by providing premium-driven quality transportation with great staff to service our customers. For more information on our services or to learn more about us, visit our website!

Current Supply Chain Issues

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chains have faced a massive problem, causing worldwide shortages and affecting consumer patterns. Workers becoming sick with COVID-19 and mandates and restrictions affecting staff availability have led to many issues that have slowed the supply chain. Other factors, including economic cycles, capacity, pricing fluctuations, labor strikes, war, terrorism, policy changes, and more, have also affected the supply chain. Because of the pandemic, it seems that everyone notices its damaging impact on global supply chains even more. Troubles in one country or with one shipping mode can negatively affect the whole system. The situation is complicated, whether you are a consumer or a business. Despite many months of recovery from the original pandemic, supply chains have still been unable to keep up with demand fully.

Trucker Shortages

Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of truck drivers in the United States, and it is predicted to double by 2030 if current trends continue. Freight carriers are a critical component in the distribution of goods, so fewer drivers on the road mean more irregular goods are moving. As a result, customers wait lengthy periods between when they place an order and when it gets delivered. Packages may not arrive at a retailer’s warehouse on time, making less stock available. Automating inventory management is essential! If retailers can foresee their inventories, they will be more prepared to control their flow of goods as we navigate a slower-moving chain.

Lack of Warehouse Storage

Overfilling warehouses results in less product space, creating a significant problem for retailers. Expanding warehouse space is almost impossible for most organizations due to the spiking prices in real estate. Because of the trucker shortage, packages must wait for prolonged periods before they begin their journey, which creates severe logistics delays in the flow of goods from one destination to the next.

The compressed warehouse market has stimulated logistics companies to try different strategies for storing and moving goods across the country. Logistics firms are finding fresh alternatives to deal with a lack of warehouses. These tactics include building multi-story facilities and choosing locations farther from coastal ports. Flexibility is necessary for businesses to gain more management over the fulfillment process.

Increased Consumer Demand

According to retailer research, consumers shop more often and in more places than ever. The root cause is the extraordinary government stimulus that has boosted demand. The simple answer to why this is happening is that a sudden wave of demand outweighs the market’s capacity. The global supply chain system can’t handle the volume of products flowing through the economy. As a result, online shopping activity has increased tremendously. Due to supply chain pressure, businesses struggle to keep up with these expectations. Companies need to keep track of all their selling channels to optimize their inventory distribution correctly.

Combatting this Issue

These supply chain issues will not be solved overnight, but there are many ways to get ahead of the problem and solve these issues more efficiently. The right technology and software can also help encourage and prepare your staff for any specific situation. With logistics management software, companies will need additional training and setup, but overall it will help diminish errors. Boosting the skills of your staff will create a more effective experience for everyone involved. Managing data also enables businesses to make more informed decisions than before. It can also deliver alternatives to ensure your goods are moving quickly to customers. Knowing trends will help you prioritize customer needs and create demand forecasts.

At Northstar, we understand preparation is key to having an organized experience for our partners! This is especially true as supply chain challenges continue to impact operations. We can complete our customers’ requirements efficiently and cost-effectively by meeting strategic goals. For more information on our services, visit our website!

Intermodal Terminology You Should Know!

Whether you’re just getting started in freight logistics or have been in the industry for years, Northstar Transport Services is here to help with all things intermodal transportation. When dealing with intermodal transportation, it is important to understand common definitions, terminology, and acronyms. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of intermodal terminology!

Essential Definitions

Intermodal: The word intermodal refers to a transportation method that involves more than one form of transport during a single trip.

Freight forwarder: A freight forwarder is a company that books shipments and manages intermodal transport. They manage intermodal shipping logistics by providing access to rail lines, trucks, cargo vessels, and warehouses. A good intermodal partner will also provide regular updates on your shipment and additional services such as insurance for your cargo.

Intermodal container: Intermodal containers are intermodal freight transport units that can be used across different modes. They are reusable and interchangeable and come in a range of standard sizes. The most common intermodal container is the 20 ft unit.

Breakbulk: Breakbulk cargo refers to goods that are not shipped in containers. This cargo is usually handled and transported individually instead of consolidated into a container.

Door-to-Door Intermodal Transportation: This transportation leverages rail efficiency and truckload flexibility to bring together the best price and service into one freight mode.

Association of American Railroads: Founded in 1934, the AAR is the world's leading railroad policy, research, standard setting, and technology organization that focuses on the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry. This system outlines the intermodal journey starting at the manufacturing facility. An intermodal container is loaded with a shipper’s freight and then driven to the railroad ramp by a dray motor carrier. When the container arrives at the intermodal ramp, it is lifted off the chassis and placed onto a wellcar. The train cars then move the intermodal container across the railroad network for the shipment’s most significant portion. Finally, the container is transferred to a truck when arriving at the intermodal ramp. Then, the truck is on its way to deliver the freight to its final destination.

Important Acronyms

IMDL: Intermodal. Intermodal freight transport involves the transportation of freight in an intermodal container or vehicle, using multiple modes of transportation, such as rail, ship, and truck. The rail segment of the cargo is used for long distances, and the shorter segments from each freight route use trucks to finish off the drive.

LTL: Less-than-Truckload. LTL is used when a shipper has more than a parcel shipment but less than a full truckload. Anything over 150 pounds is considered an LTL. Rail and truck freight carriers consolidate many LTL shipments from various shippers into one load and move it through their hub-and-spoke network to pick up the freight at origin and deliver it to its final destination.

FTL: Full Truckload. Full truckload is used when shippers require the entire trailer space for a shipment. The max weight of a whole truckload is around 45,000 pounds. FTL typically takes a direct route from origin to destination, making it a more efficient drive. In addition, total truckload shipments are less prone to damage and theft since the load is under one driver.

MTO: Multimodal Transport Operator. A multimodal transport operator is a person or an organization that supports the transportation of goods using multiple modes of transportation under the multimodal transport contract. They are also responsible for the shipment of cargo from origin to destination. In addition, multimodal transport operators communicate and coordinate the process of intermodal transportation.

Northstar Can Help!

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. We specialize in handling both 53’ domestic containers and international containers to steamship companies, beneficial cargo owners, international freight forwarders, customs brokers, and third-party logistics companies. Our services are an integral part of your product’s supply chain. By implementing strategic goals, we can meet our customers’ requirements efficiently and cost-effectively. For more information on our services, visit our website!