Intermodal Solutions

Maximize capacity and reduce spend with flexible, cost-effective shipping options.

Strengthen Your Supply Chain with Intermodal

Intermodal shipping is a smart way to reduce costs, expand your supply chain flexibility, and find capacity when trucks are hard to secure. It also helps cut emissions—reducing greenhouse gases by up to 75% for every truckload shifted to rail.

By leveraging North America’s extensive rail network, intermodal offers reliable, fuel-efficient long-haul options. One ton of freight can move 479 miles on just one gallon of fuel.

Whether you need door-to-door service, drayage and port support, or a strategic multimodal recommendation, NextWave can tailor a solution that fits your operations. With over a decade of experience in intermodal, we offer coast-to-coast dependability—whether it’s peak season, spot freight, or committed lanes.

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Your Supply Chain Solution on a Budget

Blending rail into your transportation strategy gives you a flexible, cost-effective way to keep freight moving—and customers satisfied. Partnering with an experienced intermodal provider like NextWave ensures you unlock all the advantages of this powerful shipping solution, with the peace of mind that comes from expert support.

Here’s what you get with NextWave Intermodal:

Added Capacity

Access long-haul solutions for lanes with ongoing capacity issues. We offer 53’ domestic containers and 20’, 40’, and 45’ international containers.

Cost Efficiency

Take advantage of market-stable pricing and long-term savings.

Operational Flexibility

Dropped container options allow more control over your loading and unloading schedules.

Full Visibility

Stay informed with real-time shipment tracking and status updates through our freight tech platform.

Cross-Border Coverage

Door-to-door intermodal services across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Streamlined Communication

One point of contact, supported by a full team—available 24/7/365.

More Options with Our Drayage Network

Drayage—the short-haul transport of containers within 200 miles of a rail terminal or port—is a crucial link in the intermodal chain. When done right, it keeps your supply chain moving with speed and precision.

NextWave offers seamless access to a nationwide drayage network, ensuring every handoff is smooth and efficient.

Our drayage solutions include:

  • Coverage at all major ports and rail ramps

  • Bonded, vetted carriers ready wherever you need them

  • Support for dry and temperature-controlled shipments

  • Warehousing and transloading contacts near every major port

  • A trusted network of UIIA and TWIC-certified drayage carriers

With NextWave, you gain more than service—you gain strategic drayage support where and when it matters most.

How Intermodal Shipping Works

The farther your freight needs to travel, the more value intermodal can offer. By combining rail and truck, intermodal shipping reduces costs and increases efficiency—especially on long-haul routes. It’s no surprise this mode is booming, with over 25 million containers moved annually across North America.