Freight glossary / Modes and service types

What is Intermodal in freight?

Intermodal freight moves in the same container across more than one mode, typically truck to rail to truck, without the goods being handled between them. It trades transit time for lower cost and lower fuel use on the long middle leg. It is most competitive on long hauls where the rail portion is long enough to absorb the cost of the two dray moves at each end.

Also called: imdl, intermodal freight.

Related terms

• Drayage
• Container
• Rail ramp
• Transload