Blocking & Bracing for Intermodal Freight Shipments

Updated 4/30/2026 - There is nothing more important than having an intermodal shipment arrive on-time, within budget and not damaged. That last factor "not damaged," brings up the topic of blocking and bracing - a practice vital to a successful intermodal load but also simpler than some believe if they know where to look.

Over-the-road truckload shipments need to be properly blocked and braced to limit the movement of cargo within the trailer or container, but more is needed with intermodal shipments because of the harmonic vibration of the railroad.

While an intermodal container is on its long haul railroad segment, the gentle, but consistent harmonic vibration has the ability to move pallets both laterally and vertically in the container. The additional movement is why blocking and bracing is so important and, done improperly, is the major cause for the 0.2% damage rate of all intermodal delivered shipments.

In some cases, the outbound shipping dock team is not aware the container they are about to load is an intermodal shipment. Other times, the loader has not been trained to know there needs to be more done to properly load out an intermodal container to protect the contents while in transit. 

No matter the case, we are here to share what you need to know about blocking and bracing.

Blocking and Bracing Intermodal Shipments

The two items to address around blocking and bracing are the load plan and the method by which you will do the blocking and bracing.

Before you click off the article because this is already sounding complicated and expensive, please read on as you will find the cost and work on your part is minimal considering the amount that your company will save using intermodal versus truckload.

How do you develop a load plan for intermodal?

The first item is to work with your intermodal company (IMC) as it relates to protecting your company's freight. is to draw out the load plans for your various shipments.  The IMC will engage the damage prevention engineers of the class 1 railroads to ensure the plans are appropriate and approved.

The railroads and IMCs want to provide the highest level of assurance your product will ship safely, so they are very happy to help assemble the load diagrams and materials to use that will be the least cost, yet most effective.

What materials and methods are used for blocking and bracing?

The methods and materials used for blocking and bracing include:

• Air Bags
• Bull Boards
• End Gate
• E-Track Gate
• 2x4 with 16d Nails
• Honeycomb Filler
• Stretch Wrap
• Ty-Gard

(Descriptions and guidelines of each of the dunnage, fillers and wood blocking can be found at the following link.)

Again, while this all sounds complicated and expensive to employ in the shipping process, it really is not at all difficult once fully implemented in your company’s shipping process.  Quite often shippers find the option of having a good stretch-wrapping procedure for their pallets and using a couple of 2x4’s and 16d penny nails is all it takes.

If you are looking for more of a visual in the blocking and bracing process, we recommend the following videos from the Union Pacific and CSX.

Union Pacific Intermodal Guidelines 1.30 minute video

CSX blocking and bracing page and video 3.30 minute video

Quite often InTek directs its customers to LOGISTICK for cost effective blocking and bracing materials. The site has great pictures and videos for shippers interested in further understanding their blocking and bracing needs.

Why is blocking and bracing so important for intermodal?

Blocking in bracing is an important aspect of intermodal shipments.  Not only will it all but eliminate the chance of product damage, but it will save costs associated with damage and rework; keep product deliveries on-time; build a strong trouble-free business relationship; and protect the public. Perhaps most importantly, proper blocking and bracing is required by state and federal laws.

So with a little extra effort and materials at the time of loading your company's freight onto an intermodal container you'll save on the freight budget and increase 53' capacity options.

Additional Articles on Intermodal Transportation:

• The Complete Guide to Intermodal Transportation
• Intermodal Weight - The Most Common Issue for Shippers
• Comparing Truckload vs Intermodal: 11 Differences Shippers Should Know
• Pros & Cons of Using Intermodal for Your Company's Shipments
• Asset vs Non-Asset Intermodal Freight Providers: A Detailed Comparison
• JB Hunt's Intermodal Model vs Class I Railroads: Pros and Cons of Each

Hopefully you found the above information to be helpful, and if ever you are looking at alternatives to your shipping needs we here at InTek would like to be a part of that conversation.

If you're ready to take the next step, at InTek Logistics, we can help. Just tell us what you need and we'll discuss how our expertise can help with the unique shipping challenges your business faces. Rather do a bit more research first? View our Freight Guides for comprehensive articles and eBooks on all things freight and logistics.