Cost-Effective Intermodal Shipping Across the U.S. and Canada
Intermodal combines rail and truck transportation to move freight efficiently over long distances. It’s best suited for shipments with flexible transit times that benefit from lower transportation costs.
Typically used for long-haul freight where cost savings outweigh transit speed.
What Is Intermodal Shipping
Intermodal shipping combines rail and truck transportation to move freight efficiently over long distances. Shipments travel by rail for the majority of the route, then transfer to trucks for pickup and final delivery.
How intermodal shipping works
Intermodal shipping moves freight in three coordinated steps:
Pickup at your location
Local truck picks up freight and delivers to rail terminal
Rail transportation across corridors
Shipment travels long distances via major rail networks
Final delivery to destination
Local carrier delivers from rail terminal to final location
Where Intermodal Delivers Real Cost Savings
Lower cost on long-haul lanes
Ideal for shipments over 700+ miles where rail significantly reduces linehaul costs.
Stable pricing vs truckload volatility
Less exposure to spot market swings compared to over-the-road freight.
Reliable capacity across key corridors
Rail networks provide consistent coverage on high-volume shipping lanes.
Reduced fuel usage and emissions
Lower fuel consumption per mile compared to traditional trucking.
Ideal Freight for Intermodal Shipping
Intermodal works best for palletized, non-time-sensitive freight moving long distances. Shipments that can accommodate flexible transit times benefit the most from lower costs and consistent rail capacity.
Palletized freight
Consumer goods & retail products
Manufacturing and industrial materials
Chicago Intermodal Hub Advantage for Shippers
Located near Joliet’s major intermodal terminals, C1 Freight enables faster drayage and more efficient rail coordination across key U.S. and Canadian shipping corridors.
Proximity to Joliet rail terminals
Our proximity to Joliet’s intermodal facilities allows for faster drayage, better container access, and improved coordination with major rail providers.
Freight We Move Through Intermodal Networks
We support intermodal shipments across industries that rely on cost-efficient, long-distance freight movement.
Retail & Consumer Goods
Ideal for palletized freight moving between distribution centers and major retail markets.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Supports materials, components, and consistent production shipments across long-haul lanes.
Construction & Building Materials
Moves bulk materials and project freight efficiently to regional job sites and distribution hubs.
Request an Intermodal Shipping Quote
Our team reviews your shipment details and identifies the most efficient intermodal routing based on cost, transit time, and lane availability.