U.S. Intermodal Shipping Routes and Terminals
Documentation of intermodal freight infrastructure connecting rail and trucking networks, including major terminals, rail-truck corridors, and the facilities enabling seamless container movement across transportation modes.
Understanding Intermodal Shipping Routes
Intermodal shipping routes combine the efficiency of rail transportation for long-haul movements with the flexibility of trucking for pickup and delivery. Freight moves in standardized containers or trailers that transfer between modes without handling the underlying cargo.
The U.S. intermodal network has grown to handle over 28 million container and trailer units annually, representing one of the fastest-growing segments of domestic freight transportation. Intermodal provides cost advantages over long-haul trucking while maintaining competitive transit times.
Domestic Containers
53-foot containers designed for U.S. highway dimensions, rail-optimized for double-stack trains.
International Containers
20 and 40-foot ISO containers from ocean shipping, moved via rail from port to inland destinations.
Trailer-on-Flatcar (TOFC)
Highway trailers loaded onto rail flatcars for line-haul movement, drayage at either end.
Terminal Automation
Modern intermodal terminals rely on automated crane systems, PLCs, and conveyor controls. Facilities requiring industrial automation parts and repair for terminal equipment typically source from specialized suppliers.
Major Intermodal Hubs
Intermodal terminals serve as the critical interchange points between rail and truck transportation. These facilities handle container lifts, provide chassis storage, and coordinate drayage operations for the surrounding region.
Chicago, IL
MidwestLargest U.S. rail hub, connecting six Class I railroads
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA
West CoastLargest U.S. port complex with on-dock rail
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
South CentralMajor inland distribution hub, NAFTA corridor gateway
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Kansas City, MO/KS
CentralGeographic center of continental U.S., major sorting hub
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Memphis, TN
Mid-SouthCentral distribution location, five Class I railroad access
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Atlanta, GA
SoutheastSoutheast distribution gateway, port connectivity
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Pacific NorthwestPacific gateway, Asia-Midwest corridor origin
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Savannah, GA
SoutheastFastest-growing East Coast port, on-dock rail
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Houston, TX
Gulf CoastGulf port gateway, petrochemical distribution hub
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Newark/Elizabeth, NJ
NortheastPort of New York/New Jersey rail gateway
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Columbus, OH
MidwestInland port, major e-commerce distribution
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
St. Louis, MO
CentralMississippi River crossing, rail interchange
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Louisville, KY
CentralUPS Worldport air hub, rail-air integration
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Indianapolis, IN
MidwestCrossroads of America, FedEx ground hub
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Oakland, CA
West CoastNorthern California port, agricultural exports
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Charlotte, NC
SoutheastSoutheast distribution, banking corridor
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Upper MidwestNorthern Plains gateway, grain traffic origin
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Detroit, MI
Great LakesAutomotive industry hub, Canada crossing
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Phoenix, AZ
SouthwestGrowing Southwest market, Mexico trade
Key Terminals
Serving Railroads
Major Intermodal Corridors
High-volume intermodal lanes connect major markets through dedicated rail corridors optimized for double-stack container trains. These routes provide scheduled service with consistent transit times competitive with long-haul trucking.
BNSF Transcon
UP Sunset Route
NS Crescent Corridor
NS Heartland Corridor
CSX National Gateway
CPKC NAFTA Corridor
UP Overland Route
BNSF Northern Transcon
CN Gulf Corridor
CSX I-95 Corridor
UP I-5 Corridor
Intermodal Service Providers
The intermodal ecosystem comprises railroads providing line-haul service, intermodal marketing companies (IMCs) selling capacity and managing shipments, and drayage carriers handling local pickup and delivery.
Railroad Intermodal Services
Intermodal Marketing Companies (IMCs)
Drayage Carriers
Inland Ports and Transfer Facilities
Inland ports extend seaport functionality hundreds of miles inland, providing container handling, customs processing, and distribution services away from congested coastal areas. These facilities reduce port dwell time and improve supply chain velocity.
Alliance Texas
Inland PortCenterPoint Intermodal Center
Intermodal ParkRickenbacker Inland Port
FTZ Inland PortVirginia Inland Port
Inland PortLogistics Park Kansas City
Intermodal CampusGlobal TransPark
Multimodal ParkPort Inland Distribution Network (PIDN)
Near-dock facilitiesGreer Inland Port
Inland PortPort San Antonio
Inland PortDillon Inland Terminal
Intermodal TerminalPort Drayage Regions
Drayage—the short-distance trucking between ports, rail terminals, and warehouses—is critical to intermodal efficiency. Each major port has a defined drayage region where container movement occurs, with unique operational challenges.