Intermodal is a shipping mode that connects multiple vehicles, like truck to rail, to complete a shipment. Truckload is a shipping mode that uses one vehicle to deliver freight. This guide explains the difference between the two modes so you can choose the best option based on cost, speed, handling requirements, and lane characteristics.
Key Takeaways:
We’ll discuss the differences between intermodal vs truckload for shippers to find the best mode for their freight.
Intermodal is a shipping mode that uses two or more modes of transportation. In the U.S., this often involves a combination of truck and rail. However, intermodal shipping also encompasses air freight and container shipping vessels.
A typical intermodal shipment looks like this:
Freight is loaded into a container at its origin point, hauled by truck to a rail terminal, transported long-distance by train, then picked up by another truck for final delivery.
In most intermodal moves, the freight itself is not unloaded and rehandled at every stage. Instead, the container or trailer is transferred between modes, which helps reduce direct cargo handling even though the shipment passes through multiple transfer points.
Each point transfers freight from vehicle to vehicle via a container chassis. A container chassis is a specialized trailer used to deliver shipping containers between various vehicles. Depending on the lane and provider setup, chassis usage, storage, and repositioning can affect total landed cost.
Shippers will pay a container chassis fee, or accessorial charge, to move goods using this method.
Truckload is a shipping mode that moves cargo by truck. Truckload freight is usually hauled on semi-trailers like dry vans and reefers to protect the shipment from weather conditions and control its temperature.
We’ve made a chart to illustrate what a typical truckload shipment looks like:
Truckload transportation is generally faster than intermodal, but transit time varies based on the truckload shipping mode:
We’ll explain how intermodal vs truckload impacts costs based on freight handling and distance in the next section.
While truckload and intermodal transportation methods serve the same end goal, they differ in application. From transit time to handling procedures, each mode offers advantages in some situations and challenges in others.
We’ve compiled some of the most common decision-making factors for choosing between intermodal and strictly truckload freight shipping in the table below.
Each of these categories plays a role in determining which shipping method aligns with your operational priorities. Let’s take a closer look at the two most critical aspects: cost and speed of delivery.
Freight shipping cost is one of the top concerns for shippers. On the right freight lane, intermodal shipping can reduce linehaul costs compared to truckload. This is especially true when freight is moving long distances on a predictable schedule.
Rail is more fuel-efficient over long distances, and intermodal leverages that benefit to lower transportation costs. However, taking advantage of intermodal’s lower cost requires certain conditions.
When intermodal saves you money:
When truckload is worth the extra cost:
While intermodal can save you a substantial amount of money, it’s important to match the savings opportunity with considerations like delivery times and special handling requirements.
Transit time is another vital factor to consider. When comparing the two modes, truckload shipping almost always delivers faster results. Intermodal may offer cheaper shipping for longer hauls, but it will come with more variability around handoffs, ramp time, and rail schedules.
Truckload shipments travel directly from origin to destination, avoiding delays associated with terminal transfers or train schedules. It’s ideal for shippers with time-sensitive freight who can’t afford unexpected stops or slowdowns.
Intermodal shipping, on the other hand, involves multiple steps: truck pickup, rail transit, and truck delivery. While rail is efficient, the coordination between these legs can introduce extra time into the overall delivery schedule.
Intermodal transportation can be disrupted by factors like rail congestion, port volume, and weather events. Truckload shipping can face disruptions as well, but these don’t last as long and shippers have access to scheduling flexibility.
Choose truckload if:
Choose intermodal if:
While intermodal works best for long hauls, intermodal drayage is a cost-effective mode for localized trips.
Drayage is a short-distance transportation service that moves containerized cargo between ports, rail yards, and nearby warehouses, typically by truck..
Intermodal drayage reduces the time freight sits in a port terminal by transferring the shipping container directly from the ocean vessel onto a chassis truck and to its desired location.
The bottom line here is that while truckload almost always wins in speed, intermodal may still be the better choice if your timeline allows for it.
When to Use Intermodal vs Truckload
While we’ve discussed the primary differences between these two freight shipping options, examining some hypothetical scenarios will give you an even better idea of when to choose truckload over intermodal and vice versa.
Scenario One:
In this case, intermodal is the clear winner for the following reasons:
The combination of long distance travel and a generous delivery time makes intermodal ideal for these consumer goods.
Scenario Two:
This shipment would be best served via truckload shipping for reasons such as:
For short range, high-value shipments such as this, FTL shipping will usually be your go-to choice.
Deciding between intermodal and truckload shipping doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right logistics partner, you can make data-driven choices that lead to efficiency and cost-savings for every load you ship.
Call us today at (866) 353-7178 or reach out to us on our contact page. You can also fill out a request for proposal online.
What’s the difference between intermodal and truckload shipping?
Intermodal is a shipping mode that uses multiple vehicles (truck to rail to truck) to deliver one shipment. Truckload is a shipping mode that uses a single truck to deliver a shipment.
Is intermodal less expensive than truckload?
Intermodal is typically more cost-effective and fuel-efficient than truckload for long-haul shipments moving over 500 miles.
What are intermodal accessorial charges?
Both intermodal and truckload shipping can include accessorial charges, such as:
Shippers using intermodal will pay a container chassis fee but can avoid demurrage and detention by coordinating with their carrier to remain punctual with pickup/delivery.
R+L Global Logistics
315 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470
