Related Articles
Economic Development, Logistics, Rail
Reliable Rail Service Hinges on Reform
By letting market forces dictate rates and improving service, we can achieve freight rail competition.
Global Logistics, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain, Transportation
New Rail Service Will Link the UK and China
Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain, Transportation
Midwest Association of Rail Shippers Opens Summer Meeting Registration
Shippers will discuss the changing market environment and feature key transportation executives.
Intermodal, Ocean, Ports, Rail, Transportation
Alternative Port Strategies: Getting In With The In Crowd
Inland ports provide shippers with new global trade strategies and relief from capacity issues facing North America’s deepwater container ports.
High-Value/High-Risk Cargo, Distribution, Intermodal, Rail, Transportation Infrastructure
An Intermodal Resurgence
The winter of 2013-14 disrupted the intermodal shipping industry in North America, causing service problems and impeding growth. However, intermodal now offers a number of attractive advantages for shippers, particularly as rail operations pour resources into their intermodal efforts to strengthen service and compete with trucking. Sites that specialize in intermodal utilize innovations to streamline the process and apply new resources to make for an increasingly efficient and effective distribution process.
Intermodal, Ocean, Ports, Rail, Transportation
Houston, We've Got a Problem
The September 2016 Intermodal EXPO provides the setting for a thoughtful discussion on the ocean shipping sector: its prospects and how it impacts the intermodal industry.
Mexico, Global Logistics, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain, Transportation
Global Logistics—August 2016
U.S./Mexico Unified Cargo Processing removes border wait times; CRBC struggles to win local support in Kenya; PwC releases Q2 Transportation and Logistics M&A report
Intermodal, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Rail, Visibility
Optimizing Freight Rail Supply Chain Visibility
Freight rail has become an integral part of many global supply chains, driving the need for complete visibility across modes and giving rise to a new suite of technologies. Shippers who know how to make effective use of these technologies gain an advantage.
Project Logistics, Logistics, Ocean, Rail, Supply Chain, Specialized Logistics, Transportation
Project Logistics: Going the Distance
When logistics professionals are tasked with a special project, no matter how enormous, no matter how infeasible, they’re expected to go the distance.
Economic Development, Education & Careers, Site Selection, Rail, Supply Chain, Trucking, Transportation
Meet Me in St. Louis
The St. Louis region offers an ideal transportation infrastructure to move goods, skilled labor to meet the peaks and valleys of industrial demand, and the availability of highly qualified IT personnel to manage staff and facilities.
Economic Development, Intermodal, Site Selection, Ports, Rail, Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation
Intermodal Rail: Moving in the Right Direction
As the demand for supply chain efficiency and speed rises, companies are investing in intermodal rail infrastructure and repairs throughout the United States.
Air Cargo, Distribution, Lean, Logistics, Packaging, Rail, Pallets, Supply Chain, Trucking, Sustainability, Transportation, Warehousing
Creating a Lean and Green Culture
Launching a cost cutting, productivity-enhancing, or sustainability initiative creates efficiencies with environmental benefits and cost reductions.
Air Cargo, Economic Development, Logistics, Intermodal, Ocean, Site Selection, Rail, Supply Chain, Trucking, Transportation
Alaska: The Vast Frontier
By offering air, barge, ocean carrier, rail, and trucking services, logistics providers are minimizing the risks involved with transporting goods to, from, and within Alaska.
Intermodal, Distribution, Rail, Supply Chain
How the Hub-and-Spoke Model Can Improve Distribution for Rail Networks
There's no derailing hub-and-spoke networks. Find out why their adoption is arguably as significant an event in shipping efficiency as containerization itself.
Economic Development, Intermodal, Rail, Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation
Intermodal Transportation: Rise and Shine
The use of intermodal transportation by shippers continues to grow. Here’s how shippers use intermodal to cut costs and mitigate risk.
Pharmaceutical Logistics, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain, Transportation
Trends—February 2016
Commercial drone programs delayed while FAA establishes deadlines; five challenges facing the pharmaceuticals supply chain; getting the Surface Transportation Board back on track; Retailer investments in e-commerce and supply chain will dominate in 2016
Intermodal, Ports, Rail, Transportation
Supply Chains that Rock Around the Clock: Everybody's Doing the Locomotion
This story follows the progress of an intermodal container during its three-day, round the clock trip from the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach to a distribution center in Dallas.
3PL, Logistics, Third-Party Logistics, Partnership, Rail, Supply Chain, Trucking, Sustainability, Transportation
Realizing the Power of a Leveraged Platform
One way a manufacturer can mitigate the effects of increasing regulations and demand volatility is by working with a third-party logistics provider with a leveraged platform.
Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Logistics, Intermodal, Ocean, Rail, Supply Chain, Transportation
Global Trade Game Changer
As the Panama Canal's $5.25-billion expansion nears completion, how are shippers and ports preparing?
Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Rail, Transportation
Alleviating Gridlock: A Chicago Case Study
Amtrak’s Chicago Gateway Blue Ribbon Panel released its report this month and made a number of recommendations to improve the flow of rail operations in the Chicago area.
Distribution, Logistics, Site Selection, Ports, Rail, Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation
Great Logistics Sites: Prime Destinations, Unmistakable Results
The pursuit of perfection may seem an impossible goal. But, with the right combination of key elements, four regions in the United States have achieved logistics greatness.
Intermodal, Ocean, Ports, Rail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
Intermodal : Making the Connection
Railroads, ocean carriers, and ports are investing in new equipment and technology innovation to move freight from trucks to rails and attract intermodal shippers.
Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Rail, Transportation
Positive Train Control: Negative Impact On Railroads?
As the deadline for PTC implementation looms, Class II and Class III railroads will likely find that the Class Is demand their participation in both PTC capital implementation costs and ongoing maintenance costs.
Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Intermodal, Ports, Rail, Trucking, Transportation
Driver Shortage Threatens to Slow Intermodal Growth
The shortage of qualified drivers threatens the continued growth of the intermodal industry.
Intermodal, Cross-border Trade, Canada, Logistics, Partnership, Rail, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
O Canada!
In the logistics of trade, the relationship between Canada and the United States is both friendly and advantageous on both sides of the border.
Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Rail, Transportation
How Amtrak’s Supreme Court Case Affects Freight Shippers
Tired of being forced off the track, Class I Railroads are taking a stand in court over track-sharing privileges with Amtrak.
Economic Development, Intermodal, Utilities, Logistics, Site Selection, Rail, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
Riding the Rails
In today's high-speed logistics infrastructure, rail represents a key component of the intermodal framework.
Air Cargo, 3PL, Logistics, Ocean, Rail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
Freight Transport in Alaska: The Haul of the Wild
Challenging weather and a remote location make delivering freight to and from Alaska a complex operation. To simplify operations, many shippers turn to transportation companies and logistics service providers that have the expertise to make sure freight flows smoothly despite the complexities.
Asia, China, Global Logistics, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain Management
Global Logistics—March 2015
Port of Beirut plan for transshipment expansion irks truckers; New treaty greenlights Ghent–Terneuzen Canal lock upgrade; China-Europe rail development continues with UTi and Changjiu partnership; Global suppliers still laggard when it comes to environmental mitigation; Hong Kong looks to ease industrial real estate regs to create more warehouse capacity.
Retail, Logistics, Rail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
Trends—January 2015
Texas places three locations among ATRI’s top-10 congested roadways; Truck size and weight debate is a divisive topic for the transportation and logistics industry; Truck driver shortage raises new concerns and costs for shippers and carriers; Electronics supply chain poses new challenges; Demand planning is still a pain point for shippers
Global Economy, Mexico, China, Logistics, Rail, Safety, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Latin America
Global Logistics—January 2015
United States gives Mexican truck drivers the green light for cross-border moves; Uber pilots cargo service in Hong Kong; Latin American rail freight market ripe for investment; Panama Canal Authority restructures its toll system; Turkey and Iran toil over truck fees; Global airfreight market set for steady growth; Lithuania railroad faces antitrust inquiry over competitive switching practices
3PL, Food Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Logistics, Rail, Trucking, Specialized Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Warehousing
Regulatory Update: Playing by the Rules
Mark our words: Legislative and regulatory resolutions could spell trouble for shippers and carriers in 2015.
Intermodal, Mexico, Canada, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain Management
Rail Freight: What’s Coming Down the Track?
We hit the road this past fall to get an up close view, around the bend, of where the railroad industry is tracking in 2015 and beyond.
Global Economy, Intermodal, Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Rail, Supply Chain Management
Global Ports: A Boatload of Opportunity
Facing a number of challenges and constraints, the global port industry is addressing concerns and capitalizing on new opportunities.
Air Cargo, 3PL, Lean, Ocean, Rail, Trucking
Reducing Freight Costs
As transportation prices rise, shippers are engaging in smart planning to reduce logistics costs.
Air Cargo, Middle East, Asia, China, Ports, Rail
Global Logistics—December 2014
United Kingdom establishes national training center for fracking; China and Jamaica team up on logistics training initiatives; UK port constraints push freight flows north; Middle East air cargo carriers show robust growth
Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Retail, Rail, Trucking, Transportation
Trends—November 2014
Reciprocal switching debate casts a cloud over railroad industry collaboration; Procurement execution gap costs U.S. businesses $1.5 billion per year; Holiday consumers plan to shop sooner to avoid last-minute parcel problems; Trucking costs continue to soar as driver shortage worsens; Amazon Supreme Court case will set a precedent for how companies secure facilities and compensate workers.
Intermodal, Rail, Transportation
Intermodal Transportation’s Solution to Our Evolving Supply Chain Demands
Intermodal transport provides cost savings, increased reliability, greater capacity, and green and safety advantages.
Modal Harmony in a Discordant Market
Intermodal solutions can have significant returns, but there are challenges to consider.
Intermodal, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Ocean, Ports, Rail, Trucking
Intermodal: Too Much of a Good Thing?
As intermodal grows, so do its challenges. Increasing cargo volumes create bottlenecks and congestion; while the capacity shortage has everyone scrambling. How are shippers and service providers coping? This article helps solve the dilemma.
Intermodal, Ports, Rail, Transportation
Shippers Get Creative With Multimodal Solutions
Creative use of intermodal and multimodal options enables cost-effective transportation, boosts capacity, and reduces highway congestion delays.
3PL, Economic Development, Distribution, Retail, Ocean, Site Selection, Ports, Rail, Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
Star Search: Discovering the Best Site for Your Business
Determining the best location for a new or expanding business in an increasingly competitive and global marketplace is challenging. These locations offer a number of advantages when it comes to meeting today’s logistics and supply chain needs.
Air Cargo, 3PL, Economic Development, Education & Careers, Rail, Trucking, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Warehousing
Memphis: America’s Multimodal City
Memphis supports global supply chains through highway, rail, airport, and inland port assets, and a qualified workforce.
Negotiating Rail Freight Rates
Before negotiating rail rates, gain a thorough understanding of your rail freight needs and the current market.
E-commerce, Cross-border Trade, Canada, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Rail
Global Logistics—August 2014
DB Schenker tests silent brake blocks; India changes policy for e-commerce foreign investment; Canada opens Customs Self Assessment preferences to U.S. shippers; Global steamship lines raise rates; European ports struggle with congestion and larger ships
Economic Development, Intermodal, Site Selection, Rail
Keeping Intermodal In Your Sites
When selecting manufacturing and distribution sites, companies should ensure rail/intermodal accessibility.
Networked Track Sensors Keep Rails and Workers Safe
Track sensors monitor rails for signs of buckling or breakage, improving rail freight safety.
Global Economy, Import, Export, China, Canada, Global Logistics, Rail
Global Logistics—April 2014
U.S. government aims to create single-window, paper-less Customs process; Deutsche Post predicts positive growth for global express business; China looks to develop more logistics centers upstream on the Yangtze River; Canada-Mexico trade imbalance tops NAFTA summit; Mexican railroads object to proposed reform bill
Green Logistics, Finance, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Rail, Safety, Security
Trends—February 2014
Hunter Harrison documents the culture change that has contributed to Canadian Pacific’s rail renaissance; Global companies more concerned about climate risk than emissions reductions; Deadline for new ISO17712:2013 high-security seal standards is fast approaching; Lack of collaboration between supply chain and finance hurts the bottom line
Intermodal, Industry Associations, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Rail, Safety, Security, Transportation Infrastructure, Transportation
Rail Trends Recap: Shared Strategies, Mixed Signals
The 2013 Rail Trends conference addressed issues of rail safety and regulation.
Air Cargo, Green Logistics, Global Logistics, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Ocean, Rail, Latin America
Global Logistics—November 2013
Aviation climate emissions agreement signals major progress; Latin American economic growth expected to accelerate despite hinterland connectivity issues; IMO’s container weight verification amendment irks some shipper advocates; Rolls-Royce developing hybrid wind-powered ship; Spain and Portugal seek rail freight harmonies
Intermodal, Ocean, Rail, Trucking
Intermodal Efficiencies
Intermodal allows shippers to cut transportation costs without sacrificing service.
Railroad Operations: Where Safety and Innovation Converge
Railroads are investing in new safety processes, technology and policies to ensure cargo security and prevent accidents.
Intermodal, Ocean, Rail, Transportation Management, Trucking
All Aboard a Modal Conversion
Exploring intermodal transportation's potential.
3PL, Economic Development, Intermodal, Site Selection, Rail, Transportation Infrastructure
Site Selection: The Rise of Intermodal
Transporting goods via truck and rail services offers shippers economy and efficiency benefits. Site selection teams evaluating intermodal sites also consider factors such as labor, transportation infrastructure, and utility costs.
Trends—March 2013
North American railroads benefit from crude oil demand as pipeline debate lingers; E-commerce growth places new demands on DC development; American Automobile Association weighs in on truck weight restrictions; Mid-sized consumer packaged goods companies struggle with retailer demands; BNSF announces plans to pilot natural gas-powered locomotives; Air freight industry struggles amid sluggish global economy
Intermodal, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Rail
Resilient…Responsive…Determined: Rails Focus on the Future
At the annual RailTrends conference, industry experts shared insight on trends, opportunities, and challenges facing North American railroads.
Intermodal, Rail, Trucking, Transportation
Rail Intermodal: Where Rail Meets Road
Shippers such as Ste. Michelle, Welch’s, and Michaels Stores are using intermodal transportation to move freight quickly, efficiently, and sustainably.
Trends—September 2012
Midwest drought draws attention to BNSF Logistics’ “ag in a box" solution; Nussbaum takes driver safety performance to a new level with Driver Excelerator; Alaska considers the possibility of freight-floating blimps; Railcar data points to cooling economic trends; P&G and EPA partner to develop supply chain sustainability assessment tools
Trends–February 2012
BNSF invests in rail infrastructure improvements; Logistics outsourcing reflects economic pressures; Cargo theft rises, but value of stolen goods drops; Port of Indiana- Burns Harbor sees atypical winter vessel traffic thanks to warm weather; Women in logistics climb the corporate ladder
Retracing the Trails of the Iron Horse
A group of determined leaders, engineers, and industrialists helped drive the westward expansion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
In Mexico, Rail is On a Roll
As more manufacturers establish plants in Mexico, and as Mexican railroads improve their infrastructure and services, demand for rail transportation within the country and across the border with the U.S. continues to rise.
Improving Rail Infrastructure: On the Right Track
Railroads continue to ramp up capital spending on infrastructure and equipment, leading to new intermodal services that prompt more shippers – and motor carriers – to adopt multimodal approaches.
Rails Give Agricultural Industry Seeds to Grow
Paul Hammes of Union Pacific outlines how rail industry infrastructure investments provide capacity and reliable service to the agriculture industry.
Intermodal Inroads
Carriers, port authorities, and other service providers are working to keep intermodal going strong. Here’s a look at some of the newest developments in intermodal transportation around North America.
Green Logistics, Rail, Trucking
Green on the Ground
When looking for environmental sustainability solutions, which ground transport mode -- truck or rail -- is greener?
The Rail/Ag Connection: An American Revival
As U.S. railroads and agricultural businesses embark on a new era of relevance, they are encountering new opportuniteis working together, and old grievances working apart.
Intermodal, Site Selection, Rail
U.S. Intermodal Gets a Lift: America’s Great Rail Sites & Services
Intermodal connections help shippers move product quickly and efficiently. Get on track with some locations, utilities, and service providers that are helping intermodal grow.
Global Economy, Middle East, Import, China, Canada, Global Logistics, Rail, Security
Global Logistics—December 2010
Dubai makes progress on its first aerotropolis, Starbucks partners with China to set up its first coffee bean farm, Canadian National accelerates auto imports, United Kingdom and France work to counter terrorism, Marks & Spencer accelerates supply chain improvement plan
Intermodal, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Rail
How to Leverage Rail/Intermodal For Refrigerated Freight
The emergence of refrigerated container units provides more cost-effective rail and intermodal shipping for perishable and temperature-sensitive goods.
Air Cargo, 3PL, Economic Development, Intermodal, Distribution, Utilities, Ocean, Site Selection, Ports, Rail, Trucking, Transportation Infrastructure, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing
Memphis: America’s Aerotropolis
Geography, transportation infrastructure, and a strong distribution sector make Memphis a natural logistics hub.
Intermodal, Legislation, Public Policy, and Regulations, Rail
Reassessing Rail Reregulation
Will rail reregulation untie captive shippers but tie up rail productivity?
Green Logistics, Global Economy, Panama Canal, Global Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Rail, Trucking, Latin America
Trends—September 2010
News briefs: U.S. Ports Dig Panama Gold, Reducing the Carton Footprint, SaaS to the Rescue, BNSF Brings Shortlines On Line, Truckers Tackle Credit Crunch
Air Cargo, 3PL, Intermodal, Ocean, Rail, Trucking, Supply Chain Management
Trends—July 2010
21st annual State of Logistics Report: Beating the Recession; Making dollars and Sense out of Jabulanis and Vuvuzelas; Mergers and Acquisitions Show signs of Recovery
Trends—February 2010
A small town in New York supports the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad (LA&L); Procter and Gamble plans an online outlet.
On the Road | Belen, New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment and 10,000-foot Trains
BNSF Railway's Belen, N.M., rail yard serves as a regional maintenance and fueling facility for trains up to 10,000 feet long. Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly offers a behind-the-scenes look.
Intermodal, Rail, Specialized Logistics
On the Road | Morris, Illinois: Plastics, Pellets, and Pallets
A&R Logistics' Morris, Ill., dry bulk intermodal facility specializes in hauling plastics. Inbound Logistics Senior Writer Joseph O'Reilly tours the operation.
Trends—January 2010
Regional shortline railroads introduce intermodal shippers to marine rail solutions; Highway report ranks state highway systems; UPS exec offers insight on supply chain trends for 2010; FedEx Freight partners with Vision Industries to test a hybrid heavy-duty tractor; Clorox address hazardous materials concerns; Import cargo volumes rise at retail container ports
Intermodal, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain
Intermodal Benefits Come Into Focus
This story provides an update on the state of intermodal shipping in the United States today, with a look at some new services, new facilities, and infrastructure improvement projects.
Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain, Transportation Infrastructure
U.S. Infrastructure Still at the Bottom of the Class
Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issues an Infrastructure Report Card that thoroughly analyzes and grades U.S. infrastructure in the form of a school report card.
Intermodal, Customer Service, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain, Transportation
Increased Capacity and Flexibility
The Red Wings Beneath My Feet
The Red Wing Shoe Company gets customers to share how their boots are serving them—and the supply chain—well.
Logistics, Ocean, Ports, Rail, Supply Chain
SC Ports Has Strongest April on Record for Container Cargo
South Carolina Ports Authority had its strongest April container volumes on record, with 189,315 twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) handled last month. In addition to being the strongest April in SCPA history, last month’s volumes were the second-highest ever handled by the Port.
Logistics, Site Selection, Rail, Supply Chain
Industrial Development Returns to the Rails
Led by a new crop of innovative executives, modern Class 1 railroads, along with real estate professionals, are responding to new logistics demands and spearheading substantial rail-oriented industrial development projects across the nation.
Intermodal, Logistics, Rail, Supply Chain, Trucking
Intermodal Transport: Finding the Road to the Right Track
This story provides an update on the state of intermodal transportation in the U.S., including the conditions driving shippers to make greater use of intermodal, moves the railroads are making to improve service, and the factors that help to determine whether a shipment should go intermodal or over the road.
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