Intermodal Freight Shipping
Rail and truck working together for long-haul savings.
Intermodal shipping moves your freight in a container by rail for the long-distance portion and by truck at each end. ANKA UNITED INC coordinates the full door-to-door move.
One container, two modes, one coordinated move
With intermodal shipping, your freight is loaded into a container at the origin, trucked to a rail terminal, moved by train for the long-haul portion, then trucked from the destination rail terminal to the final delivery location. The freight stays in the same container the whole way.
Rail is especially efficient over long distances, so intermodal can offer meaningful savings on long-haul lanes compared with over-the-road truckload, with less fuel used per ton-mile. The trade-off is that transit is usually a little longer, which makes intermodal a great fit for planned, recurring freight. The truck moves at each end are handled as drayage.
- Cost savings on long hauls. Rail linehaul can lower costs on longer lanes.
- Door-to-door coordination. Pickup, rail and final delivery managed as one move.
- Reliable capacity. An alternative when truckload capacity is tight.
- Lower emissions. Rail uses less fuel per ton-mile than trucks alone.
- Less handling. Freight stays sealed in the same container from origin to destination.
Choosing the right mode for your lane
Both options have their place. Here is how they typically compare.
| Factor | Intermodal | Truckload |
|---|---|---|
| Best distance | Longer hauls, often several hundred miles or more | Short, regional and long-haul lanes |
| Transit time | Usually a little longer due to rail schedules and terminal handling | Typically faster, with direct over-the-road transit |
| Cost | Often lower on long-haul lanes | Often better on shorter lanes or urgent freight |
| Best freight | Planned, recurring and less time-critical shipments | Time-sensitive loads and lanes without nearby rail access |
Not sure which fits? Send us your lane and timing and we will compare truckload and intermodal options for you.
The intermodal move, step by step
Origin pickup
A container is delivered to your facility for loading, or your loaded container is picked up.
Rail linehaul
The container is drayed to the rail terminal and moves by train on the long-haul portion.
Destination drayage
At the destination terminal, a truck picks up the container for final delivery.
Delivery and updates
We confirm delivery and keep you informed from pickup through the final mile.
Common questions about intermodal
What is intermodal freight?
Intermodal freight moves in a container using more than one mode of transportation, typically rail for the long-distance portion and truck for pickup and delivery, without the freight being unloaded between modes.
Is intermodal cheaper than truckload?
On longer lanes, intermodal is often more cost-effective than over-the-road truckload. On shorter lanes, truckload is frequently the better value. We can compare both options for your specific lane.
Is intermodal slower than truckload?
Intermodal transit is usually somewhat longer than truckload because of rail schedules and terminal handling, which makes it best for planned freight rather than urgent shipments.
What kind of freight works well for intermodal?
Palletized and floor-loaded freight that fits in a standard container and is not extremely time-sensitive, such as consumer goods, packaged food and beverages, paper and building materials.
Is ANKA UNITED INC a carrier or a broker?
ANKA UNITED INC is a freight brokerage. We arrange intermodal transportation with authorized providers and coordinate the full move on your behalf.
Tell us about your shipment.
Send us the pickup and delivery locations, commodity, weight, dimensions, equipment needs and timing. Our team will review your requirements and follow up with a quote and available capacity.
- Phone
- 470-380-6728
- info@ankaunitedinc.com
- Office
- 168 Northfield Cir, Dawsonville, GA 30534
- Hours
- 24/7 dispatch and support
