Intermodal Container Freight Shipping
Rail-assisted container moves that cut long-haul cost and emissions.
Best for: Non-urgent, high-volume long-haul freight (700+ mi) where cost beats speed.
Pricing
Per mile at a lower rail-assisted rate, plus chassis fee and drayage.
Typical weight
Up to 44,000 lbs gross per container
Equipment
20/40/45 ft container on chassis + rail linehaul
Transit
3–12 days depending on distance (rail-schedule dependent)
About Intermodal Freight
Intermodal shipping moves freight in an ocean/rail container that travels by rail for the long-haul middle and by truck (drayage) on each end. Because rail is far cheaper and greener than over-the-road trucking for long distances, intermodal can cut cost 10–30% versus FTL on lanes over ~700 miles — at the trade-off of longer, rail-schedule-dependent transit. It's ideal for non-urgent, high-volume freight in 20 ft, 40 ft, or 45 ft containers. KeepShippin coordinates the drayage legs, chassis, and rail booking, and flags when a TWIC-credentialed driver is required for terminal access.
Common Commodities
- High-volume consumer goods
- Import/export containers
- Paper & packaging
- Non-perishable bulk freight
- Retail replenishment
Key Accessorials
- Chassis fee
- Drayage (first/last mile)
- TWIC-credentialed driver
- Container weighing
- Terminal / per-diem handling