What is intermodal transportation for wine importers?

Moving wine, beer or spirits across the many large landlocked regions of Europe, Asia, and the Americas is no easy task. For example, wine from Napa Valley must travel 2,800-mile (4,506 km) to reach the East Coast in the U.S. In countries where sea freight isn’t a viable option, it’s either trucks, trains, or - better yet - a combination of the two, also known as intermodal transportation.

Why intermodal shipping?

“Intermodal shipping is simply more cost-efficient compared to trucking,” says Patrick Bradley, Vice President of Operations at Vintage Imports Inc. “There is a lot more to factor into the coordination of lead times and delivery at destination warehouses, but intermodal shipping is the best option.”

The Pennsylvania-based company imports wine from around the globe, but transporting anything from the West Coast to the East Coast in a country with limited railways is no easy task. That’s why Vintage Imports has relied on Hillebrand Gori for intermodal shipping for over 20 years.

What does intermodal mean in transportation? 

Intermodal shipping is a type of multimodal shipping, which entails more than one mode of transportation. The process of moving containers from one mode of transportation to another is called intermodal transfer. In intermodal shipping, containers are transferred without unpacking or reloading the contents. A freight forwarder manages the entire journey, including coordinating logistics and documentation.

How does intermodal transportation work?

Before the FCL journey begins, your wine, beer or spirits are loaded into a shipping container, where it remains until delivery. Since fluctuations in temperature and humidity can spoil your beverages, freight forwarders like Hillebrand Gori offer dry containers, insulated containers, or refrigerated containers so you can choose the most appropriate container type to protect your beverages as it travels through different climates.

In truck-to-train journeys, containers are transferred from the winery, brewery or distillery by truck to a rail terminal. Your wine isn’t handled when changing modes – the whole container is moved from road to rail. This is what makes the transport intermodal.

In the U.S., different companies control the railways for specific regions, and a lot of these rail networks come together in Chicago. Railways in the E.U. are standardized so that freight can move seamlessly between borders, minimizing railway transfers.

Intermodal transportation can involve truck-to-plane, truck-to-ship, or some other combination of transport.

What are the most significant factors of intermodal transport?

Intermodal transportation requires careful logistical planning. Freight forwarders like Hillebrand Gori coordinate with all parties to ensure that each step of the journey goes smoothly.

With the myHillebrandgori app, you can follow your shipments every step of the way. Use myHillebrandgori to:

• Track your shipment’s location throughout each leg of the journey.
• Keep in contact with everyone involved in the supply chain. 
• Check order details, SKUs, and product codes.
• Get real-time updates with push notifications.
• Check the temperature along the route.
• Measure CO2 emissions for every shipment.
• Manage your order to avoid delays and unnecessary costs. 

“We rely heavily on both the visibility and reporting tools in myHillebrandGori,once we see the rail cargo completes the Chicago interchange on eastbound loads, then we plan delivery at destination warehouses.”  Patrick Bradley, Vice President of Operations at Vintage Imports Inc

What are the benefits of intermodal transportation? 

There are many reasons why intermodal transportation is superior to single-mode transportation:

It’s better for the environment

Trains are three to four times more efficient than trucks. According to the Association of American Railroads, choosing rail freight vs truck freight lowers greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%.

It’s cost-efficient

Less fuel could translate to cost savings, and since it's possible to switch between transport modes, your freight carrier can arrange the most cost-effective method for each leg of the trip. Intermodal transportation can reduce transportation costs by up to 15%.

It’s customizable

Your route can be optimized for the fastest delivery possible, or even the most sustainable.

It’s flexible

If there are any delays, a freight forwarder can help to find a different way to deliver your wine and keep you updated.

What’s the right intermodal transportation solution for you?

The best intermodal combination for your shipments depends on many factors. An experienced freight forwarder like Hillebrand Gori can determine the fastest, greenest and most cost-effective way to deliver your wine in top-quality condition.

For advice on intermodal shipping, speak to your local Hillebrand Gori representative.

Published 29th December 2023, updated 20th February 2024