National Intermodal - Transforming Australia’s future supply chains (2024)

FAQs

What is the future of intermodal transportation? ›

The domestic intermodal shipping industry is expected to see a significant increase in the adoption of technology such as automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in supply chain management to improve operational efficiency at the intermodal ramps and on the tracks, while also increasing ...

Effective supply chain management includes managing inventory efficiently. Holding excess inventory ties up capital and increases storage costs. Intermodal transportation's efficiency means that goods move quickly and predictably, reducing the need for extensive warehousing.

Wholly-owned by the Australian Government, National Intermodal is responsible for ensuring the Government's investment into world class, open access precincts such as the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct deliver sustainable supply chain solutions for future generations.

Constraints of the Intermodal Freight Transportation Market:

Intermittency and Reliability: Intermittency and reliability issues with some Intermodal Freight Transportation solutions, such as solar and wind energy, present challenges, especially in regions with inconsistent weather patterns.

Dry and refrigerated truckload linehaul rates have decreased substantially over the last year and a half or so. Because truckload rates have fallen, intermodal shipping isn't particularly competitive, relative to the pre-pandemic environment.”

Goods are packed in standardized containers or trailers that can be easily transferred between various modes of transport without the need for unpacking and repacking. This eliminates unnecessary handling and minimizes the risk of damage, ensuring a smoother and faster delivery process.

Intermodal transportation is a logistical strategy that involves the coordinated use of multiple modes of transportation to move goods from one place to another. Unlike traditional transportation methods that include only one mode, intermodal includes two or more, such as trucks, trains, ships and planes.

Intermodal shipping refers to moving freight by two or more modes of transportation. By loading cargo into intermodal containers, shipments can move seamlessly between trucks, trains and cargo ships.

Schneider's intermodal fleet includes company-owned chassis and more than 28,000 containers. Last year, the division executed more than 450,000 loads generating $1.3 billion in revenue. The carrier changed rail lines in the West at the start of the year. It moved from BNSF (NYSE: BRK.

What does national intermodal do? ›

Wholly-owned by the Australian Government, National Intermodal is an independent developer of critical logistics infrastructure. Our activities facilitate both the current operation and future development of world class, open access intermodal precincts across the eastern states of Australia.

We value innovation, collaboration, integrity and sustainability, we set ambitious targets to achieve our goals and shape our team culture to inspire the best outcomes for industry, stakeholders and communities.

In 2021, the top four largest intermodal carriers were J.B. Hunt Intermodal, Hub Group, XPO Logistics and Schneider, with revenues ranging from $4.675 billion to $974 million. They move private containers and handle their own drayage operations.

But Intermodal transportation is on the upward climb. According to a report on Research and Markets.com, the global intermodal freight transportation market is expected to grow by $50.45 mn from 2022-2026, experiencing a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 6.38% during the forecast period.

Carriers who engage in intermodal trucking receive significant benefits as well. These include: Higher profit margins: Intermodal trips take less time than OTR and cover fewer miles. These shorter trips come with lower repair and fuel costs while pay remains approximately the same.

At $40 Billion, the North American Intermodal Market is the largest in the world. It relies on a fleet of more than 700,000 chassis to move the domestic and international containers moving on its network.