In our first blog post, we explored intermodal drayage and the benefits this popular logistics service offers shippers. With logistics, semi trucks and huge cargo ships usually come to mind, but freight trains also play a pivotal role as a reliable and indispensable mode of transportation.
With their ability to haul vast quantities of cargo across long distances, freight trains offer numerous advantages that contribute significantly to the smooth functioning of supply chains worldwide.
In this blog post, we focus on the oft out of spotlight freight train and its role in shaping efficient and sustainable supply chain practices.
One of the most notable benefits of freight trains is their high capacity to carry large volumes of cargo. From stacked containers to gas or oil rigs, if you can put wheels on it, a train has the power to pull it- in multiples.
That’s more than a truck can do, making it an indispensable mode of transportation for long distance travel.
This efficiency not only reduces the need for multiple vehicles but also minimizes fuel consumption and associated emissions.
It’s already a big win that trains can carry significantly more cargo at once compared to trucks, which saves time, but also saves money by reducing transportation costs per unit. This makes them an attractive choice for businesses looking to optimize their logistics expenses.
By transporting goods via rail, freight trains help alleviate road congestion and reduce wear and tear on highways.
This indirect benefit has a positive impact on road safety, maintenance costs, and overall traffic flow, benefiting not only the logistics industry but also driving society as a whole.
Trucks can be delayed for many reasons, from breakdowns to a driver needing rest, or weather.
With trucks, schedules can change, making it a challenge to gauge when a delivery is completed.
Freight trains however, operate on fixed schedules, ensuring a high level of predictability in cargo delivery times. This reliability is especially crucial for time-sensitive shipments and industries that require precise supply chain planning.
Businesses are making greener practices a priority, and for the emission-potent logistics industry, this couldn’t be truer.
Trains are accepted as a sustainable transportation mode, since they are more fuel-efficient than trucks, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions per ton of freight transported.
Trains are awesome, but they work best when integrated with other modes of transportation, such as trucking.
That’s why intermodal is becoming such a popular logistics service. By combining the short distance benefits of trucking with the lpng distance prowess of trains, the supply chain is instantly optimized for success.
Tool and strategies modern teams need to help their companies grow.
