Training on Intermodal Transportation and Containerization

Module 1: Fundamentals of Intermodal Transportation

• Definition and evolution of intermodal freight transport.

• Key stakeholders: intermodal marketing companies (IMCs), railroads, drayage carriers, and ocean carriers.

• The role of containerization in global trade.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze the intermodal network for a transcontinental shipment, mapping the handoffs between drayage, rail, and final delivery, and identifying potential points of delay.

Module 2: Intermodal Equipment and Containerization

• Types of containers: dry vans, reefers, flat racks, open tops, and tank containers.

• Chassis management: pools, availability, and imbalances.

• Intermodal trailer types: domestic containers vs. international ISO containers.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Select the appropriate container type for a portfolio of shipments, including perishable goods, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials, justifying each selection.

Module 3: Intermodal Network Design and Lane Analysis

• Identifying lanes suitable for intermodal vs. over-the-road (OTR).

• Factors influencing mode choice: distance, transit time, cost, and reliability.

• Rail ramps, terminals, and service networks.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: For a portfolio of 20 lanes, conduct a cost-service analysis to determine which lanes are candidates for conversion from OTR to intermodal, considering distance, transit time requirements, and cost differentials.

Module 4: Drayage Operations and Terminal Interface

• The critical role of drayage: first-mile and last-mile in intermodal.

• Managing drayage capacity, appointment systems, and driver detention.

• Intermodal terminal operations: lift fees, storage, and cut-off times.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a drayage plan for a high-volume intermodal lane, including strategies to manage chassis availability, driver scheduling, and terminal appointment windows.

Module 5: Performance Management and Sustainability in Intermodal

• Key intermodal KPIs: transit time, dwell time, and cost per mile.

• Measuring the sustainability benefits of intermodal (carbon footprint reduction).

• Technology in intermodal: visibility platforms, terminal operating systems, and predictive analytics.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Create an intermodal carrier scorecard measuring on-time performance, equipment availability, and claims ratio, and use it to evaluate carrier performance over a quarter.