The Value of Intermodal
A True IMC with Class 1 Railroad Contracts.
Knichel Logistics is a true IMC (Intermodal Marketing Company). There are numerous benefits to working with an IMC, such as Knichel Logistics:
- We possess rail contracts with all of the Class 1 Railroads in the U.S. and Canada, meaning that our customers have access to all of the North American intermodal network.
- We have the ability to move shipments “ramp to ramp”, where we control the trucking on both ends.
- Our competitors that are not IMC’s are subject to using door to door products, where the equipment owner/provider controls the container AND the drayage. Having the ability to deal directly with the origin and destination trucking companies that Knichel carefully selects, instead of working through a third party, allows us to provide real-time status updates and to have better control over the “first and last mile” of the shipment, which are the most important parts of any shipment.
- Knichel has extensive drayage relationships and a vast network of trusted carriers that we utilize daily.
- We have contracts with the large national bi-modal providers.
- We are able to leverage the volume that we can offer in key “power lanes” for these providers where they will offer competitive pricing with equipment allocations instead of being subject to just spot/transactional pricing.
With these sources combined, Knichel has access to over 160,000 53’ intermodal containers within the North American intermodal network. In addition, Knichel has relationships with 7 of the top 10 steamship lines in the world to secure ISO capacity. We offer expedited, refrigerated containers, and boxcars in addition to traditional intermodal.
The Intermodal Network.
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The Benefits of Intermodal.
- Intermodal shipping is four times more fuel efficient than truckload.
- One train can carry the load of 280 trucks which makes intermodal a far more environmentally friendly method of shipping.
- Switching from truckload to intermodal greatly reduces highway congestion.
- Transit time is reasonably comparable to truckload, unless you require a highly expedited service.
- In lanes exceeding 1000 miles, intermodal pricing can be particularly price competitive with motor carrier pricing, often yielding a 10-25% cost savings.
- Intermodal can be a significant source of capacity, particularly in peak season surges and when truck capacity tightens.
- Intermodal is another viable option in your shipping arsenal. Having the choice of utilizing a competitive alternative to truckload is a wise way to optimize your freight shipping.