Many shippers hesitate to use intermodal because they worry their cargo will be more vulnerable to damage. In reality, when freight is packed, blocked, and braced correctly, thousands of intermodal loads move damage-free every day.
In this episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, Kelsey Even, Manager – Closed Car Loading Rules at MxV Rail, joins us to break down what it takes to secure containerized freight safely across modes: from the ship, to the truck, and (what she's most focused on) the rail. Kelsey walks through the procedures her Damage Prevention & Loading Services team has developed and tested alongside the railroads and dunnage providers over the years to support damage-free transportation for a wide range of commodities.
She explains how her group certifies new securement methods, outlines the different dunnage options on the market and how they have evolved, and points to resources available for shippers who are unsure how to get started. Kelsey also highlights the distinct areas containers encounter in transit compared to the more straightforward nature of trucking.
She covers crane loading and unloading, the unique harmonic vibrations containers experience on the rail that can cause shifting if blocking and bracing are done incorrectly, and why proper packing and weight distribution are essential before securement even begins.
Beyond tools and techniques, we discuss the collaborative mindset across the intermodal ecosystem. Railroads, dunnage providers, and logistics partners are all focused on helping shippers get securement right so loads arrive on time and intact. Kelsey notes that while it may take a few extra days initially to train teams on correct procedures, once they are comfortable, they operate as a highly efficient intermodal shipping operation.
Learn more about MxV Rail and find free guidance on intermodal packing, blocking and bracing on its Intermodal Container and Trailer Loading Methods page.
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