North American intermodal market value $40 billion
63 million TEUs
are moved through ports annually
Ocean Carriers are often international corporations that operate container cargo vessels offering global intermodal transport services through subsidiary entities that operate marine terminals; own, operate and lease equipment; and provide inland service through partnerships.
Port Authorities and Marine Terminal Operators facilitate the transfer of import and export containers between cargo vessels and manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution locations. Container port operations are trade gateways that connect maritime trade lanes to North American destinations via highway and rail access.
60 million
intermodal drayage moves are made annually
Motor Carriers provide truck transportation of freight by means of drayage, truckload or less than truckload both domestic and international. Moving freight between customer facilities, distribution centers, inland rail hubs and marine terminals means the truck driver provides the first and last mile service for nearly every intermodal move.
17 million
intermodal loads are moved by rail in the U.S. annually
Rail Carriers provide domestic and international intermodal railroad service and own and operate intermodal terminals, where containers and trailers are transferred between modes. Rail carriers are often present at port facilities, providing shippers with more efficient routes for imports and exports and some provide customers with door-to-door intermodal service.
6 million
intermodal shipments are arranged by 3PLs annually
Third Party Logistics companies provide logistics services to companies that ship freight. Most 3PLs are non-asset based companies because, while they arrange for the movement of cargo, they do not own the equipment used to move it. 3PLs include: intermodal marketing companies, or IMCs; freight forwarders; and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs).
