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(800) 453-2530 - Crossing gates, signals & rough crossings
(800) 453-2530 - Environmental Spills
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5 BENEFITS OF INTERMODAL SHIPPING
Integrating rail, ships and trucks, the benefits of intermodal shipping are numerous. We consolidated the list to five for you.
Intermodal shipping is cost-efficient due to its fuel efficiency and economies of scale. Rail transport is significantly more fuel-efficient than trucks, especially for long distances, moving a ton of freight over 400 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Trains can also carry large numbers of containers, reducing the cost per unit of cargo compared to road transport.
Flexible container use and minimized congestion further enhance cost efficiency. Standardized containers simplify transfers between ships, trains, and trucks, reducing handling costs. Finally, using rail for main transportation legs alleviates highway congestion, cutting costs related to delays and fuel consumption in heavy traffic.
Learn more about Intermodal pricing and rates
Norfolk Southern's sustainability efforts include modernizing operations by upgrading cranes from diesel-powered to hybrid or fully electric models at intermodal facilities. These cranes, especially in urban areas, benefit more people by reducing local emissions. Upgrading to more reliable, fuel-efficient locomotives significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions and exemplifies Norfolk Southern's dedication to sustainable supply chain solutions.
These cranes, especially in urban areas, benefit more people by reducing local emissions. Upgrading to more reliable, fuel-efficient locomotives significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions and exemplifies Norfolk Southern's dedication to sustainable supply chain solutions.
These investments include notable recent projects like the $3 billion Crescent Corridor, the $300 million Meridian Speedway, the $290 million Heartland Corridor, and the $140 million Pan Am Southern Corridor. Such strategic enhancements ensure robust and flexible intermodal connections, enhancing connectivity and efficiency across major transportation corridors.
Our extensive network supports reliable and flexible intermodal services that meet diverse customer needs and foster economic growth. These improvements enable seamless movement of goods, improving your access to markets.
Explore locating or relocating your business to a rail-served site.
Connectivity is another key to reliability. NS has strong connections to East Coast container ports and maintains robust interline services with West Coast railroads. This enables NS to provide service from alternate ports as vessel services evolve, ensuring reliable access whether you’re shipping to and from either coast.
Finally, we’ve implemented new, efficient enhancements at our terminals. Our Stack Management and Appointment System technologies work together to improve the flow of drivers and equipment through the facilities and increase efficiency in a stacked operating configuration. These improvements get trucks in and out of the terminals – faster.
Norfolk Southern's intermodal shipping model is scalable for businesses of different sizes. Through a wholesale model, small shippers work with intermediaries like 3PLs, which have strong relationships with NS and its subsidiaries like Triple Crown Services. This ensures that small shippers receive the same high level of service as larger clients, enhancing reliability and scalability.
Check out our Thoroughbred Freight Transfer service to learn more about the convenience and flexibility of less-than-truckload shipping with the reliability of truck service at a fraction of the cost.
Key Resources
Triple Crown Services
A Norfolk Southern subsidiary, Triple Crown Services provides bimodal, door-to-door truckload service and standalone drayage services, all in one place.
Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer
Our TBT services and network of warehouse partners offer efficient, cost-effective rail solutions.
Thoroughbred Freight Transfer
Our TFT service delivers the convenience and flexibility of less-than-truckload shipping with the reliability of truck service at a fraction of the cost.
Short Line Connections
Expand your reach. Our short line connections can help you access new markets and get freight even closer to its destination. Explore our short line connections or login to your AccessNS account for detailed information.
Modalgistics
Shipping industrial products? Modalgistics is our supply chain services group. Experts can help you explore the benefits of adding/expanding the use of rail products in your supply chain.
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