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The Knichel Intermodal Experience: IMC Benefits

The transportation industry is ever-growing and ever-changing, and as an Intermodal Marketing Company, Knichel Logistics has never been more equipped to move your shipment from road to rail, while providing a seamless transportation experience.

As a family-owned and operated business with over 20 years of experience, customers can trust that their intermodal shipment will be handled with the care and attention Knichel Logistics knows you deserve. Choosing to use an Intermodal Marketing Company like Knichel Logistics is an easy choice.

An IMC is a logistics company that purchases intermodal capacity from the railroads and gives shippers a door-to-door service. Knichel Logistics is able to utilize rail owned equipment and private owned assets therefore have flexibility and control similar to an asset provider.

There are countless benefits to using an IMC like Knichel Logistics. Shipping intermodal is the obvious choice when it comes to conserving fuel, reducing highway congestion, and maximizing the capacity of your shipment. Knichel Logistics gives our customers the advantage of rail owned equipment, allows access to the entire North American Intermodal Network, and curates a careful selection of origin and destination trucking services.

Intermodal shipping may seem more intimidating to customers since there are a few more steps involved than when shipping over the road. However, a familiarization of common intermodal terms can be beneficial to ensure a confident intermodal shipping decision.

  • ISO Containers – vessels that carry shipments internationally and can be 20, 40, and 45 feet in length.
  • Domestic Intermodal Containers – vessels that only move in North America and measure at 53 feet.
  • BCO – The Beneficial Cargo Owner is the ultimate owner of the freight being shipped.
  • Drayage – is the act of getting the container from the dock to the rail and or from the rail ramp to the customer’s dock.
  • Chassis – a rubber-tired trailer under-frame on which a container is mounted for transport in the intermodal facility.
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ISO Containers
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Domestic Intermodal Container
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Drayage Ex.
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Chassis

Let's take a closer look at the step-by-step process of the Knichel Intermodal Experience:

A Knichel Logistics intermodal shipping experience begins with an agreement with the Drayage carriers, Railroads and container owners to provide the end customer with a seamless door-to-door move and rate. We then arrange contracts with the Railroads to move their equipment from one ramp to another. In this agreement we are leasing the equipment until returned free and clear similar to leasing a vehicle. A Knichel Logistics approved drayage carrier will pick up the reserved container from a yard. After securing a chassis to the container, the driver prepares for the transfer at the rail ramp. The container is lifted and placed on an intermodal train. Once the train reaches its destination, Knichel Logistics secures another drayage carrier to pick up the chassis and container and has the carrier complete the delivery.

As an IMC, we can ensure that we have the power of an asset provider and the flexibility of an experienced logistics company. Next time, keep Knichel Logistics in mind, so you can have peace of mind, while shipping intermodal.