Security Built into the Network
If you know anything about intermodal, you’ve probably heard the phrase “intermodal is safer by design.” But how true is that statement? Is it simply a tactic to get shippers to use rail? Short answer: no.
Intermodal has security measures built into the way the network operates. The terminals are controlled-access facilities, meaning your freight isn’t accessible to just anyone who enters the facility. A few specific examples of this include:
The highway environment, by comparison, is much more open. Trucks share the road with countless other vehicles and may make stops at rest areas, truck stops, and other locations with limited security. Because truckload shipments spend more time exposed to these environments, they can face additional opportunities for theft and unauthorized access. Intermodal’s controlled network helps reduce that exposure.
Less Time on the Highway
During an intermodal shipment, the freight is first picked up by a truck and transported to a rail terminal, typically covering about 15–30 miles of origin drayage. From there, it is moved by rail for the majority of its journey before being transferred back to a truck for the final 15–30 miles of destination drayage.
That means significantly less time on the highway, which can reduce exposure to unauthorized stops, cargo theft, and other risks that come with long-haul trucking. Instead, freight traveling 700–2,000+ miles can spend much of its journey within a controlled rail network, following established routes with fewer opportunities for unexpected stops or access. That difference in exposure matters.
Rail Security Keeps Evolving
With all of this in mind, railroads aren’t relying solely on physical security. They’re continuing to invest in new technology and infrastructure to find better ways to protect freight.
According to the Union Pacific, the railroad has invested more than $30 million in security enhancements, including thermal imaging drones, high-tech cameras, and an additional 41,000 linear feet of concrete walls and crash-resistant fencing.
Railroads are also improving network and digital visibility. API integrations allow customers to access real-time tracking data, while cloud-based data sharing provides greater visibility into freight history. Tools like the UPGo app streamline driver check-ins, while artificial intelligence is being integrated into widespan cranes for semi-autonomous container handling.
These advancements show how the rail industry continues to evolve its security practices and invest in technology that can help protect freight and combat cargo theft and fraud.
A More Controlled Chain of Custody
Security isn’t just about what happens inside the terminal. Intermodal also has additional checks in place around who can access and move equipment. The Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA) helps standardize equipment interchange between motor carriers and equipment providers while establishing requirements for authorized carriers and insurance.
This creates another layer of verification throughout the intermodal process. Compared with the more fragmented truckload environment, where risks like double brokering and fictitious pickups can make carrier verification more challenging, intermodal has built-in checkpoints that help control who is handling the equipment and freight.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Of course, security measures can’t eliminate every risk. So, what happens if freight is lost or damaged?
When freight is moving by intermodal, responsibility is tied to each stage of the shipment and who has possession of the freight. Railroads generally assume responsibility while the freight is in their possession, subject to the applicable transportation agreements, tariffs, and liability terms. If a loss occurs during drayage or another part of the shipment, responsibility may fall to a different party.
This is where having an experienced intermodal partner can make a difference. We can help shippers understand who is responsible at each stage, what coverage applies, and how to navigate the claims process if something goes wrong. Our goal is to make the process easier to understand and help you know what to expect.
The Bottom Line
Intermodal isn’t risk-free, but it has multiple layers of security built into the network. Controlled terminals, restricted access, railroad security, fewer highway miles, and a more defined chain of custody can all help reduce exposure to theft and fraud.
Security is another reason shippers should consider intermodal when evaluating transportation options for their freight. As railroads continue investing in security, technology, and visibility, intermodal is becoming an increasingly secure option for moving freight.
When you're looking at ways to reduce transportation risk, it's worth considering not just how your freight moves, but also how securely it moves.
Explore Knichel Logistics’ intermodal solutions and find out which of your lanes may be a fit.