Boat. Train. Truck. One container, start to finish.
Intermodal shipping uses two or more modes of transportation to move freight, typically loaded into a single container that travels by ocean, rail and truck without ever being repacked. We handle it from the port to the final door.
Reliable transport of containers, from the port to the next stop, and anywhere in the continental U.S.
- Combined drayage, trucking and cartage under one carrier
- Standardized containers, no repacking between modes
- Long-haul rail for cost efficiency and lower emissions
- Truck for the flexible first and last mile
- Full visibility from port arrival to final delivery
Have a load waiting? Get pricing in one business hour.
What intermodal shipping actually is.
Intermodal shipping combines two or more modes of transport (trucks, trains, ships, or planes) using standardized containers that transfer between modes without repacking. Trains cover long distances efficiently. Trucks deliver the flexible first and last mile. Together they move freight faster, cheaper and cleaner than any single mode alone.
Cost-effective for the supply chain.
Each mode is used where it is most efficient, minimizing overall cost per ton-mile. For businesses optimizing long-haul lanes, especially international shipments, intermodal is a proven way to trim spend without giving up reliability.
Improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions.
Moving freight by rail can be up to four times more fuel-efficient than by truck alone: nearly 500 miles per gallon per ton of freight. Intermodal shrinks the carbon footprint of the journey and helps align your shipping with green initiatives.
Reliability, flexibility and cargo safety.
Leveraging multiple modes means less reliance on any single one. If trucks slow for weather or traffic, rail or ocean legs absorb the pressure. Standardized containers stay sealed through the journey, minimizing handling and the risk of damage.
Who should use intermodal.
If you’re moving goods over long distances, especially internationally, or shipping frequently over shorter lanes, intermodal offers cost savings that add up. Almost any product that fits a standard container ships intermodally: electronics, furniture, fresh produce, textiles and more.
Ocean, rail and truck, moving as one.
Intermodal, end to end.
Ready to put Carroll’s intermodal to work?
Tell us about your shipment. Our dispatch team will respond within one business hour with capacity, routing, and pricing.