Schneider National announced today, Dec. 16, that its Intermodal division has completed a three-year conversion project, replacing its mixed trailer/container fleet with an all-container fleet. The investment highlights the company’s long-term commitment to intermodal transportation and the environmental benefits inherent with moving freight via this mode.
Shippers moving freight across the United States will realize greater operational efficiencies and cost savings due to Schneider’s multimillion-dollar investment in containers, the company says. “Current economic realities require that shippers scrutinize every aspect of their supply chain in search of energy efficiencies and cost savings,” says Bill Matheson, president of Intermodal Services for Schneider. “Our 53-foot container-focused service makes it even easier for customers to leverage Schneider Intermodal’s trucklike service and the environmental benefits that come with shipping by rail.”
Schneider says customer reaction to its all-container service has been positive due to the significant service improvements and cost savings. The conversion represents one of the company’s largest intermodal equipment investments in Schneider’s nearly 20-year history of operating an intermodal fleet. Schneider’s trailer-to-container conversion included more than 12,000 units and represents a multimillion-dollar investment in its Intermodal business.
“The benefits of moving freight via intermodal containers are so significant that there’s no doubt containers will become the intermodal standard in the very near future,” Matheson says. “Shippers want to stack containers and move more freight – in an energy-efficient manner – at one time. They also want a simplified process for trailer/container management, both for their shipping department and the truck drivers moving their freight. Our new containerization approach delivers on both fronts.”
In 2008, about 11.5 million trailers and containers moved over the rails. Schneider National first entered the intermodal market in 1991. Since then, the company has focused on growing its intermodal service, providing customers with energy-efficient premium service. In addition to its container conversion, Schneider furthered its commitment to intermodal when it consolidated its network of primary rail providers.
