Intermodal
What is intermodal? Intermodal trucking moves shipping containers between rail terminals, ports, and shippers, using a chassis to haul the container short distances.
Full definition
Intermodal carriers (drayage) handle the first or last mile of a multi-modal shipment, pulling 20', 40', or 53' containers off rail or port and delivering to local shippers and consignees.
The model is dispatch-intensive — multiple short hauls per day — and chassis availability, port congestion, and demurrage often define profitability more than the per-load rate. Geography matters: drayage is concentrated near major ports (LA/LB, NY/NJ, Savannah, Houston, Norfolk) and rail hubs (Chicago, Memphis, Kansas City).
Finance products for intermodal carriers favor working capital and chassis financing over long-haul-style equipment loans.