Exploring The Street-Turn in Intermodal Container Transportation

In the world of intermodal container transportation, efficiency is vital to ensuring the seamless movement of goods across various modes of transportation.  One concept that plays a crucial role in optimizing this process in the logistics industry is “Street-Turn.”

At Evans Delivery Dallas, we recognize that managing an efficient trucking operation goes beyond moving cargo from point A to point B.  It is about harnessing the power of cutting-edge solutions that drive your business forward while positively impacting the environment and your bottom line by reducing costs and boosting efficiency.

Understanding Street-Turn

A Street-Turn is a logistical practice of using an intermodal container to deliver one imported load and then re-loading that same container immediately to export another return load instead of returning that empty container to the rail yard or port.  It is the practice of reusing intermodal containers for outbound shipments without returning them to the original container yard or port after unloading them.

Essentially, it involves directly transferring a container from the destination location to a new point of origin.  This concept eliminates the need for empty container repositioning, which traditionally required returning containers to the original location before they could be reused.

Benefits of Street-Turn

1) Enhanced Operational Efficiency

A Street-Turn contributes significantly to operational efficiency by minimizing the time and effort of relocating empty containers. Instead of waiting for containers to be transported back to the yard or port, they can be quickly repurposed for new shipments, reducing transit time and streamlining operations.

For drivers, a street turn reduces the time spent on each trip driving empty and more time delivering live loads, decreasing their miles driven.

2) Cost Savings

Companies can reduce container handling, transportation, and storage costs by eliminating the need for empty container repositioning. This process reduces supply chain expense by eliminating a container being returned to the rail yard empty or by having to retrieve an empty container from a congested rail yard or port before using it for another load. This translates to lower transportation expenses and improved profit margins.

3) Reduced Environmental Impact

Street-Turn aligns with sustainability goals by reducing unnecessary transportation of empty containers. This approach decreases carbon emissions associated with transporting containers back and forth, making it an environmentally conscious practice.

4) Enhanced Supply Chain Flexibility

Street-Turn enhances supply chain flexibility by enabling containers to be efficiently utilized for multiple shipments. This flexibility is valuable in responding to changing market demands and ensuring timely deliveries.

5) Optimal Space Utilization

Efficient container utilization is essential to managing container yards and port facilities. Street-Turn helps optimize space by reducing the need for storing empty containers, allowing yards to allocate resources more effectively.

6) Improved Transit Time

By avoiding the delay caused by returning containers, Street-Turn contributes to quicker shipment turnaround times. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction and a competitive advantage.

7) Seamless Integration with Intermodal Operations

Street-Turn aligns seamlessly with intermodal transportation, where containers transition between different modes of transport. It complements the fluidity of intermodal operations and contributes to a smoother overall supply chain.

The Take Away

A Street-Turn is a transformative concept in intermodal container transportation that offers a range of benefits to the logistics industry. By reusing containers for outbound shipments without returning them to their original location, companies can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable and agile supply chain. As the industry evolves, Street-Turn remains a key strategy for optimizing transportation logistics and driving success in intermodal operations.

If you are seeking efficient and reliable intermodal container transportation solutions, Evans Delivery Dallas is here to help. With our expertise in logistics and commitment to innovation, we are dedicated to providing seamless and cost-effective transportation services tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn how Street-Turn and other strategies can transform your transportation operations.