GPS Fleet Tracking for Intermodal Shipping
15 Oct 2025What is intermodal shipping?
Intermodal shipping uses a combination of transportation modes within a single journey. The
transports are used based on their convenience and cost-effectiveness. Typically, the rails are
used for long hauls that cover the majority of the journey, while trucks can transport freight
during the initial and final legs of the trips, usually called the “drayage”.
Benefits of Intermodal Shipping
Fleets enjoy many benefits when they use intermodal shipping. These include:
Improved transit times:
Intermodal shipping offers faster transit times by using the rails for longer journeys, bypassing
road blockages.
Reduced emissions:
Intermodal shipments use trains for the majority of the journey, reducing emissions and
increasing fuel efficiency.
Cost-efficiency:
Intermodal shipping is an economical way of moving freight as it relies on various transportation
based on their efficiency.
Increased capacity:
Intermodal shipments use rails for longer distances, which can handle a much larger volume of
goods.
Reduce congestion:
Intermodal shipping uses rails to transport goods for the majority of the journey, reducing road
congestion.
Enhance reliability:
Intermodal shipping uses a combination of transportation modes, reducing the risks of road
congestion and harsh weather.
How does intermodal shipment work?
The steps involve:
● Loading: The goods are loaded into containers, typically at a warehouse or distribution
center.
● Drayage: The trucks move the goods at an intermodal terminal like a rail ramp.
● Rail transport: The goods are loaded in trains and are transported for long distances.
● Drayage at destination: The goods are moved into trucks at the final destination for
delivery at a warehouse or distribution center.
Types of intermodal shipments
Domestic: It uses a combination of rails and trucks for the transportation of goods within the
country.
International: It includes ships for ocean transportation in addition to rail and trucks.
Intermodal vs Multimodal shipments:
While both use multiple transportation modes, intermodal shipments use separate contracts or
carriers for each leg of the journey, while multimodal shipments are managed by a single
carrier.
Benefits of GPS Fleet Tracking for Intermodal Shipments
Intermodal shipping companies enjoy these benefits when using GPS fleet tracking.
● Real-time locational updates: GPS trackers offer real-time locational updates
throughout the intermodal journey.
● Theft prevention: It monitors the unauthorized tampering and movement of shipments,
reducing theft.
● Enhanced communication: GPS trackers integrate with communication platforms,
improving communication between the drivers and other stakeholders.
● Compliance and reporting: The GPS data can be used to ensure regulatory
compliance and for internal reporting.
LiveWireGPS offers a comprehensive and affordable GPS tracking system that can offer real-
time locational tracking and monitoring of the freight during the course of intermodal shipments.
Call us today at 1-888-544-0494 to learn more about GPS tracking for intermodal shipping.
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