Temperature-Controlled Intermodal Weathers Every Season
Over-the-road refrigerated transport has always been the go-to, but did you know that J.B. Hunt has the largest fleet of temperature-controlled intermodal (TCI) containers in North America? J.B. Hunt is also one of 13 companies to be recognized as a GCCA Certified Cold Carrier. By converting your freight, you can experience the benefits of intermodal shipping even for your temperature-sensitive freight.
Some of the benefits of converting freight from highway to intermodal include:
- Shipping with intermodal reduces a shipment’s carbon footprint by an average of 65 percent compared to over-the-road truck transportation, helping us eliminate an estimated 4 million metric tons of CO2e emissions in 2023.
- Cost and fuel savings
- Consistent and reliable capacity using J.B. Hunt’s intermodal infrastructure with company-owned chassis and more
- Agility to pivot to our over-the-road services as your needs change
Keep reading to discover why J.B. Hunt is your trusted provider of cold freight shipping and heat protection through TCI.
Seasonal Appeal
We know that different seasons bring on different demands – December through March brings freeze protect needs for beverages and consumables while June through September brings heat protection for cosmetics and wine. When you move your freight with TCI, you have the peace of mind of knowing your freight is protected.
Beyond maintaining the temperature, we use other methods and precautions to keep your freight safe. For example, J.B. Hunt provides blocking and bracing consultation to ensure product integrity and mitigate loss against load shifts. J.B. Hunt also participates in high security programs with BNSF to offer bottom well services for additional charges.
Is TCI Right for Your Freight?
TCI often provides the most value for shipments with a length of haul (LOH) of 700+ miles, while temperatures can range from –10 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. TCI containers are also monitored remotely 24/7 by internal teams, providing the capability to evaluate your load’s operating status at any point in transit.
Moving your temperature-controlled freight with J.B. Hunt means having access to our mode-neutral approach that allows us to pivot when needed. So, if the market fluctuates or your needs change, we have the capacity to keep your freight moving.
Competitive Advantages via Rail
We’ve been moving freight on the rail for nearly 35 years, and we have long-standing relationships with major rail providers. BNSF, one of those major providers, allows our customers to use their expedited network, which is on average faster by 12-24 hours and can be more reliable than standard intermodal service – especially during peak seasons. They’re also able to offer bottom well-car preferences for more added security.
Whether you’re shipping produce, dairy, juice, wine, confectionary or other temperature-sensitive products, J.B. Hunt temperature-controlled intermodal can bring better value to your supply chain. Ship your temperature-sensitive freight today.