When I first started shipping internationally, I thought trucking was the easiest part. After all, it’s just moving containers from A to B, right?

Well, I was wrong.

Once you dive into intermodal trucking, you realize it’s not just about wheels on the road—it’s about syncing different transport modes, managing schedules, and working around real-world disruptions. In this post, I’ll share a few personal takeaways on what makes intermodal trucking both powerful and challenging, especially for freight forwarders and import/export businesses.

1. Intermodal Trucking Is the Glue of the Supply Chain

It’s tempting to think that seaports and rail networks handle most of the heavy lifting—but those last miles (and often first miles) would be impossible without trucks. Intermodal trucking is what connects containers from ports or rail terminals to warehouses, factories, or distribution centers.

Even the most advanced intermodal hub still needs trucks to complete the loop. Without reliable trucking partners, your goods might arrive at the port—and stay there.

2. Timing Is Everything, and It’s Often Tight

Intermodal trucking operates on tight timelines. Containers might have free storage time at terminals, but miss that window, and you’re paying demurrage or detention. Coordinating truckers to show up exactly when a container is ready—after customs clearance, vessel discharge, or rail unloading—is a small miracle.

The best forwarders or logistics managers I’ve met know how to manage these moving parts with backup options ready. Intermodal trucking is fast, but also unforgiving if schedules slip.

3. Local Constraints Matter More Than You Think

Not every region is equally trucker-friendly. In some areas, road access around ports is limited, local regulations might restrict container trucks during certain hours, or infrastructure just isn’t up to speed. Intermodal trucking often depends on understanding these local quirks and planning accordingly.

I’ve learned to never underestimate the “last 50 kilometers” problem—it’s where most delays happen.

4. Communication Is Everything

A successful intermodal trucking operation relies on tight coordination. You need to know exactly when the container is released, whether customs clearance is done, if chassis are available, and whether the trucker is on schedule.

Freight forwarders that communicate proactively and work closely with trucking companies tend to avoid surprises. When something goes wrong—and it will at some point—it’s the speed of response that matters most.

Intermodal trucking might not be the flashiest part of logistics, but it’s the one that often makes or breaks your delivery timeline. If you’re managing international freight, don’t overlook the importance of strong trucking coordination—it’s not “just the last step,” it’s the step that ties everything together.