IANA RESPONDS TO THE RAILWAY SAFETY ACT OF 2023
In a letter to Senate leadership and committee leadership of both houses, IANA underlined the importance of rail safety while opposing legislation that substantially changes the current laws under which freight railroads operate without attendant safety benefits. See the Comments section of the Policy page.
Why Intermodal?
Intermodal connects the global supply chain of stakeholders, moving billions of dollars in cargo every day.
Intermodal provides a more environmentally friendly transportation solution and a reduced carbon footprint. A typical intermodal train is equivalent to 280 truckloads, and can move one ton of freight 470 miles on a gallon of fuel. This translates to fewer trucks on the highways, less congestion and GHG emissions, and fewer accidents.

Intermodal’s freight loss and damage statistics have steadily decreased over the past 20 years. Since 1995, L & D experienced by Class 1 railroads has dropped by 75%. Intermodal also operates in a more closed-loop environment, where improved security of the cargo results in less thefts.

Intermodal provides economies of scale when cost control is critical. Transportation on average amounts to 60+ percent of a shipper’s logistics expenses. Intermodal can add capacity through double-stacking while maintaining a fuel efficiency advantage, making it the cost-effective transportation option particularly at distances of 500 miles or more.

Port and marine terminal upgrades, rail line-haul investments and new inland facilities are growing the North American intermodal network and boosting its capacity. The results are increased system-wide resilience, improved and scalable service, and greater origin and destination choices.

Technology and the "internet of things" translates into visibility across the supply chain, from origination to last mile drayage. An increasingly interconnected intermodal network and the rapid deployment of information-sharing solutions generate more revenue per mile with shared benefits for importers, exporters and carriers.Technology and the "internet of things" translates into visibility across the supply chain, from origination to last mile drayage. An increasingly interconnected intermodal network and the rapid deployment of information-sharing solutions generate more revenue per mile with shared benefits for importers, exporters and carriers.
