Reliable Rail-Road Intermodal Solutions to Save Time and Reduce Costs
Latin American Cargo offers efficient and cost-effective door-to-door intermodal shipping solutions that seamlessly combine rail and road transport. By leveraging strong partnerships with Class 1 railroad companies and leading intermodal carriers, we ensure secure and timely cargo transportation across North America.
Some of our intermodal partners:
BNSF Railway
Canadian National Railway
CSX Transportation
Canadian Pacific Railway
Ferromex
What Is Intermodal Transportation and How Does It Work?
Intermodal transportation is a logistics method that combines two modes of transport—typically rail and truck—to move freight efficiently across long distances. It offers a smart alternative to traditional over-the-road (OTR) trucking by taking advantage of rail’s fuel efficiency for the long-haul portion of a shipment.
How it works:
A truck picks up the loaded trailer (also known as an Intermodal Transport Unit or ITU) at the origin.
The trailer is delivered to a rail terminal and loaded onto a train via intermodal ramp.
The shipment moves by rail for the long-haul segment of the journey.
Upon reaching the destination terminal, the trailer is transferred back to a truck for final delivery.
Key benefits of intermodal freight transport:
Lower transportation costs compared to full truckload shipping
Increased capacity and scalability for large volumes
Reduced carbon footprint through fuel-efficient rail transport
Fewer delays caused by traffic, road closures, or driver hours-of-service regulations
Enhanced cargo security with less handling and real-time tracking
Our Intermodal Transport Solutions Across North America
• Trailer on Flat Car (TOFC)
TOFC combines the convenience of door-to-door trucking with the cost-efficiency of rail transport. Since rail shipping isn’t affected by traffic, roadwork, driver fatigue, or weight station delays, it’s a more reliable option for long-haul freight.
• Intermodal Refrigerated Units
When temperature-sensitive cargo like food, flowers, or pharmaceuticals needs to be shipped, our intermodal reefer solutions offer secure and controlled conditions throughout the journey. We partner with top providers to ensure safe, fresh, and punctual deliveries.
• International Drayage & Cross-Border Services
Our specialized drayage services ensure efficient cargo movement to and from intermodal terminals in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. With deep experience in North American cross-border logistics, LAC navigates customs, paperwork, and routing to avoid delays and keep costs low.
Real-Time Intermodal Shipment Tracking
With satellite-enabled cargo monitoring, we give you full visibility of your shipment throughout its entire journey. Our tracking systems and security protocols ensure your freight moves safely, securely, and on schedule.
Ship With Confidence, Ship with LAC
Our team of logistics experts is ready to optimize your supply chain and deliver seamless shipping solutions.
Why Choose Latin American Cargo for Intermodal Shipping?
When it comes to intermodal shipping across North America, experience, reliability, and regional expertise matter. At Latin American Cargo, we combine decades of logistics know-how with strong partnerships and tailored solutions to deliver seamless, cost-effective freight transportation between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Experience the LAC Advantage:
25+ years of experience in North American logistics
Partnerships with class 1 railroads: BNSF, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, CSX, Ferromex, and more
Cost-effective door-to-door solutions across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
Expertise in cross-border trade and documentation
Frequently Asked Questions About Intermodal Shipping
What types of cargo are best suited for intermodal transportation?
Intermodal transportation is ideal for dry goods, consumer products, retail merchandise, temperature-sensitive cargo (like food or pharmaceuticals), and large-volume freight. It’s especially efficient for long-haul shipments across North America.
How long does an intermodal shipment take between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada?
Transit times vary based on origin, destination, and service type, but intermodal shipments typically range from 3 to 7 days. Rail transportation can often bypass traffic and road delays, making it a reliable alternative to long-haul trucking.
Is intermodal shipping more affordable than trucking?
Yes, intermodal freight shipping can significantly reduce costs—especially over long distances—due to the lower fuel consumption and higher efficiency of rail transport. Businesses often save on fuel, driver fees, and highway tolls.
Can refrigerated cargo be shipped via intermodal transport?
Absolutely. LAC offers intermodal reefer containers equipped with temperature control to ensure the safe transportation of perishable and sensitive goods like produce, flowers, and pharmaceuticals.
What is drayage in intermodal shipping?
Drayage refers to the short-distance trucking required to move cargo between the origin/destination and the rail terminal. LAC provides efficient cross-border drayage services in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada to ensure smooth transitions at every stage.
How is cargo tracked during intermodal transportation?
Satellite-based tracking technology is used to offer real-time visibility of your shipment. Clients can monitor location, status, and security updates throughout the transport process.
Are customs and cross-border paperwork handled by LAC?
Yes. Our team has extensive experience with cross-border regulations and documentation. We streamline customs clearance and ensure full compliance with U.S., Mexican, and Canadian trade requirements.
What are the advantages of working with class 1 railroads for intermodal transport?
Class 1 railroads—like BNSF, CN, CP, CSX, and Ferromex—offer the most extensive and reliable rail networks in North America. Partnering with them ensures faster transit times, better cargo handling, and reduced risk of delays or disruptions.
Learn from the experiences of those who matter most: our customers
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