Discover how our intermodal broker services simplify complex logistics, combining multiple transportation modes to keep your shipments on track and on budget.
What is an Intermodal Broker?
An intermodal broker is a specialized service provider who manages the coordination and movement of goods across multiple modes of transportation. Intermodal shipping uses a blend of rail, truck, ocean, and sometimes air transport to achieve efficient, cost-effective logistics solutions. But you don’t need to be an expert in these complex logistics—that’s where partnering with TLI’s intermodal brokerage services comes in. With 30+ years of expertise within the transportation industry, we make your intermodal shipments seamless and efficient, keeping you focused on your core business.
Why Choose Intermodal Shipping?
Intermodal shipping can offer significant cost savings, flexibility, and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional single-mode shipping. Each mode has unique strengths: rail can move bulk goods long distances at a low cost, trucking is excellent for short hauls and last-mile delivery, and ocean and air options are essential for international shipments. By using intermodal transport, you get the advantage of each mode, optimized to suit your needs.
TLI’s Full-Service Intermodal Brokerage
At TLI, our intermodal brokerage goes beyond simple freight booking. We handle every aspect, from mode selection to final delivery, so you can be confident your shipment is in expert hands. Whether your cargo requires rail transport, full truckload (FTL) services, or specialized drayage for port connections, TLI has you covered. As your intermodal freight broker, we take the complexity out of logistics, ensuring that each segment of your journey runs smoothly.
Multiple Modes, One Expert Solution
At TLI, we support various modes of transport, making it easy to adapt to any shipment requirement:
Rail and Truck: Ideal for long-distance hauls that require the cost savings of rail combined with the flexibility of truck delivery.
Drayage Services: If your cargo needs a connection between ports and rail terminals, we handle drayage to bridge the gap.
International Shipping: For global shipments, we offer both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) options, whether via ocean or air, to meet your budget and timeline.
Our supply chain expertise spans domestic and international transportation, ensuring your cargo stays on track, on time, and on budget.
Mode Optimization: Smart, Strategic Shipping Choices
One of the core benefits of working with TLI as your intermodal broker is mode optimization. We carefully analyze your shipment needs—weight, dimensions, delivery requirements, and cost targets—and select the best modes for each leg of the journey. This approach means we’re constantly comparing and optimizing across carriers to find the most cost-effective options. From high-speed rail to economical ocean transport, we match the right mode at the best price and service level.
With TLI’s mode optimization, you save money and maintain service quality, maximizing your logistics value with every shipment.
Benefits of Working with an Intermodal Broker
1. Cost Efficiency
Intermodal shipping can be up to +25% cheaper than traditional OTR trucking alone. By balancing each mode’s strengths, our intermodal brokerage solutions provide cost savings without sacrificing service.
2. Environmental Responsibility
Rail and ocean modes have a significantly lower carbon footprint than air or truck-only shipments. With TLI as your partner, your logistics strategy is more sustainable, reducing emissions for a greener supply chain.
The EPA SmartWay Certification is a designation given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to companies and products that demonstrate a commitment to reducing transportation-related emissions. Companies with this certification, like TLI, use eco-friendly shipping strategies and technologies to minimize their environmental impact. Being SmartWay certified shows a commitment to sustainability, which can make TLI an appealing partner for businesses also focused on sustainability.
3. Enhanced Tracking and Accountability
As part of our brokerage services, TLI offers full tracking visibility. Our TMS (Transportation Management System) enables you to monitor every step, from dispatch to final delivery, and even provides real-time payment status updates. We also handle freight bill audits and cargo claims mitigation, so you have full financial control and reliability from pickup to payment.
TLI: Your Intermodal Freight Broker Offering Easy & Seamless Shipping
At TLI, we understand that each business has unique logistics needs. Whether you’re shipping heavy machinery, electronics, or retail goods, we craft customized intermodal solutions that fit your goals. You do not need to worry about the unique legs of the shipment, nor getting quotes on each transportation mode, as we can give you a door-to-door quote. With quick response times, expert transportation insights, and access to a vast network of carriers, our intermodal brokerage keeps your supply chain agile and reliable.
Navigating intermodal freight doesn’t have to be complicated, so delegate it to the expert. With TLI as your dedicated intermodal freight broker, you gain a partner who understands every mode, from rail to ocean. Our full-service approach ensures that your freight is handled with precision, reliability, and a commitment to optimal service.
When you’re ready to streamline your logistics and cut costs without compromise, TLI is here to deliver.