Intermodal
Our strategic locations allow us to operate a unique intermodal program that will move your domestic freight across the country for the lowest rates in the logistics industry, including flatbed freight.
Our Intermodal division will coordinate and monitor the entire move so your transportation package is virtually “seamless.” We have the ability to trace your shipment via the internet for up-to-date information on its status. We are strategically positioned within the Top 4 of every Class I railroad in the country.
The option to ship products, materials, or equipment via intermodal rail transportation cuts cost without cutting corners. Shipping freight in transferable containers rather than exclusive or dedicated over the road trucks leads to a significant decrease in the cost of shipping. Another financial benefit to choosing intermodal rail shipping is that it reduces fuel surcharges. Over the road trucking charges can fluctuate due to the volatility of diesel fuel prices, resulting in your payments fluctuating as the price you pay per mile changes. Integrating rail into the cross country shipping process reduces the amount of money you pay for the diesel costs associated with shipping your freight.
Remaining independent from rail, truck, and steamship companies we are able to utilize the nation’s 125,000+ rail trailers and 30,000+ domestic containers, rather than being confined to a burdensome asset base. This cost savings is passed directly to our clients allowing us to become the most cost effective IMC in the Midwest
“At Hub, we pick up the container from the customer and bring it over to the rail ramp — that’s where the railroad takes over,” Yeager said.
“They bring it from their terminal to its destination, and then we pick it up from there, put it on a chassis and bring it over to the destination, which is usually a customer’s distribution center for final delivery to a store or to the end consumer.”
What is Intermodal Shipping?
Intermodal Shippingrefers to moving freight by two or more modes of transportation. By loading cargo into intermodal container shipments can move seamlessly between trucks, trains and cargo ships.
Our Process
When products are shipped between trucks and trains in domestic intermodal containers, the process of intermodal shipping works like this:
- Products are loaded in a container on a truck chassis.
- The truck hauls the container to an intermodal ramp, which is usually just a short distance away. This truck movement is often referred to as “drayage.”
- At the intermodal ramp, the container is lifted off the chassis, then placed on a flat car or well car so it can ship by train for the long haul.
- When the container arrives at another intermodal ramp, it is then transferred back to a truck for delivery to a warehouse, store or distribution center.
Benefits (what makes us different)
When products are shipped between trucks and trains in domestic intermodal containers, the process of intermodal shipping works like this:
- Products are loaded in a container on a truck chassis.
- The truck hauls the container to an intermodal ramp, which is usually just a short distance away. This truck movement is often referred to as “drayage.”
- At the intermodal ramp, the container is lifted off the chassis, then placed on a flat car or well car so it can ship by train for the long haul.
- When the container arrives at another intermodal ramp, it is then transferred back to a truck for delivery to a warehouse, store or distribution center.
Our Other Services
A little sub text about our other services.
Highway
Our highway division has over 5,500 contracts with carriers dedicated to moving your freight efficiently and safely.
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Warehouse
We provide warehousing, inventory management, cross-docking, container stuffing and unstuffing, and railcar loading and unloading services.
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