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Intermodal solutions designed for your business

Rhenus makes intermodal freight simple and efficient for your business. By integrating sea, road, and rail, we keep your cargo moving on schedule while giving you the flexibility to adapt and grow. With direct access to a global fleet of 21,000+ containers and 250 depots, you can scale your logistics, cut transit times and reach the markets that matter across North America and worldwide.

Intermodal transport solutions that move your business forward

Since 1991, businesses like yours have trusted Rhenus to keep their cargo moving efficiently across regions. With door-to-door delivery through key gateways, you benefit from faster transit times, reduced costs and more sustainable logistics.

Intermodal solutions that keep your logistics running smoothly

Leverage flexible container services, including one-way leasing, container rental, and container trading. Whether you need equipment for a single move or long-term operations, you can reduce costs, improve asset utilization, and position your containers exactly where they’re needed. With Rhenus, you gain efficiency and strengthen profitability through smart, strategic container management.

Keep your cargo moving with our intermodal logistics solutions, seamlessly connectingports, rail, and road for a smooth, secure, and efficient journey from origin to destination.

Our NVOCC services encompass securing slots from common carriers or feeder operators to move goods using our own containers (SOCs). We offer space protection, competitive handling charges and extended free time for demurrage and detention.

Extensive rail connections across North America link key ports, terminals, and inland hubs, delivering efficient, reliable intermodal transport for your freight.

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Get your shipments delivered faster with our land bridge service, an efficient overland solution that reduces transit time compared to sea transportation.

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Key benefits of intermodal freight

Cost savings

Reduce your logistics spend by using optimized route mixes that deliver faster, smoother cargo flows.

Avoid traffic bottlenecks and costly delays — our intermodal transport solutions keep your shipments moving reliably and on time.

Move your cargo responsibly with solutions that lower emissions and support your sustainability goals.

Move cargo with confidence. Our intermodal solutions give shippers and importers a seamless door-to-door experience by connecting ports, rails, and roads with reliable precision.

Why choose Rhenus for your intermodal freight needs?

  • Global network: Unlock smoother, more reliable cargo flows with an international network built to support your intermodal solutions at every stage of the journey.
  • Own equipment: With access to our own containers, vehicles, and terminal agreements, you gain flexible and dependable intermodal options that adapt to your operational needs.
  • Guaranteed space and slot agreements: Secure priority space for your freight, reducing delays and keeping your shipments moving on schedule.
  • Cost-effective routing: Benefit from optimized routes and mode combinations that cut transit times, increase efficiency, and lower overall logistics costs.
  • Special equipment availability: Move bulk, oversized, or specialized cargo with confidence through customized intermodal logistics solutions and dedicated equipment.
  • Own bills of lading: Simplify your paperwork and maintain full control of your shipment with bills of lading issued directly by Rhenus.
  • Environmental sustainability: Reduce emissions and strengthen your sustainability goals with greener transport options such as rail and short-sea shipping.
  • Own terminals: Improve handling efficiency and shorten transit times thanks to streamlined operations at our dedicated terminals.
  • Own containers: Rely on consistent availability and global operational flexibility with our fleet of Rhenus-owned containers, supporting uninterrupted intermodal transport solutions worldwide.

Value-added services to strengthen your intermodal

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Customs clearance

Benefit from our expertise in navigating complex customs regulations—integrating seamless clearance into your intermodal solutions to reduce delays and avoid costly penalties.

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Warehousing

Stay ahead of demand with strategically placed warehouses that boost availability, cut delays, and keep your supply chain running smoothly.

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Packaging

Protect your freight with specialized packing, lashing, and securing services for your  shipments, ensuring safe, reliable intermodal transportation from start to finish.

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Optimize your logistics with the Rhenus Group’s intermodal solutions

Contact us today for cost-effective, flexible and reliable intermodal options, supported by our global network and specialized equipment.

Frequently asked questions

Intermodal solutions involve transporting goods using multiple modes of transportation, such as rail, road and ocean, without handling the freight itself when changing modes. The Rhenus Group uses different types of containers and transport units for this method, which makes transportation efficient and reduces the risk of damage.

Intermodal logistics solutions typically use a combination of railroad and sea transport. We select these modes based on efficiency, cost-effectiveness and the specific requirements of your shipment, ensuring a seamless transition between the various means of transport.

The intermodal service offers several benefits, including reduced transportation costsgreater flexibility in route planning and improved sustainability through the use of environmentally friendly modes such as rail and ocean shipping. With the Rhenus Group’s intermodal solutions, you benefit from minimized handling and reduced risk of damage to and loss of your shipment.

You can track your intermodal shipment with our track & trace tool. This allows us to provide you with real-time updates on the location and status of your freight, ensuring transparency and efficient supply chain management.

Intermodal freight security is ensured through various measures, including secure loading and sealing of containers, 24/7 monitoring and the use of secure terminals and facilities. Additionally, strict adherence to international regulations and standards helps protect against theft and damage.

Intermodal transport uses multiple types of transportation, e.g. trucks, trains and ships, for a single shipment, making it more sustainable. For instance, a journey from Germany to Central Asia by road alone covers more than 7,000 km and produces over 7,500 kg of CO2 emissions. By using an intermodal route – transport by truck to the port, then by river barge, sea freight, rail and ferry – we cut emissions by up to 65%. Additionally, we use our own containers throughout the trip and balance imports and exports to avoid empty trips, leading to more competitive pricing and greater sustainability.