The intermodal railroad moves billions of dollars of products across the country every single day. From food, to dry goods, electronics and more, intermodal rail service is integral to the American economy. But before you apply for a job at intermodal rail yards, there's some education and training you should complete first.

As part of your intermodal railway operators education and training, you'll want to secure a degree that allows you to conduct intermodal trains as well as learn the safety precautions necessary to operate such large machinery. Taking continuing education seminars throughout your career will also keep you sharp for your career in intermodal trains.

1. Attend a collegiate or university program that specializes in training intermodal railway operators.

2. Check out associations and expos regarding the intermodal railway.

3. Discover education and training in other aspects of the intermodal railway business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek education that trains intermodal railway operators

If you're seeking a career in conductor operation of an intermodal train, attend a college or university that offers courses in operation and train switching. Aside from the practical aspect of running the train, you'll learn about engineering and mathematics associated with running such heavy machinery on the railways of the world.

I recommend: Check out the Intermodal Train Institute located at Denver University in Colorado. They offer a full compliment of education including everything from a simple oral history course to an executive masters program. George Brown is another university that offers education in becoming a railway conductor, which is the degree you'll need to operate an Intermodal train.

Visit websites for associations that specialize in intermodal rail

When it comes to learning more about the breadth of the intermodal industry, be sure to visit national association events and expos. They offer seminars and training classes in all aspects of the business. Not to mention you'll be meeting other industry professionals with which you can exchange credentials, form a relationship and try to grow your business through intermodal transportation of your product.

I recommend: Visit the website for the Intermodal Association of North America for more information on how to train in various fields associated with working on an Intermodal train. They host such educational events as the Intermodal Operations and Maintenance Seminar. Also check out the Transcomp and Intermodal Expo Online Exhibitor Guide. As an online resource they provide guidance into many aspects of the intermodal industry, including guides as to what kinds of education and training you need to work successfully in the industry.

Learn about other aspects of the business as part of your intermodal railway training

Even if you are training to be a railway operator, it is imperative that you have an understanding of other aspects of the intermodal railway business. For instance as an operator, understanding the security practices regarding your cargo is of the utmost importance. Also, keeping up-to-date by taking additional seminars on how to avoid derailment and other potential catastrophes will give you an edge on your competition.

I recommend: Check out the Department of Homeland Security for their Intermodal Security Training Exercise Program. They offer a certification that will allow you to work security on any intermodal rail system in the country. Also visit the Rail Sciences website for more information on the seminars they have to offer.

Intermodal railway operators are part of a larger shipping network that blankets North America. Intermodal rail cars allow businesses to ship goods from one place to another without ever having that freight handled directly by anyone. This drastically cuts down on unintended wear or damage to the shipped product. Companies load shipping containers then send them across the country by rail. At any interchange the entire container is moved, not just the contents.

Intermodal transport is a multi-faceted system. While the intermodal railroad system is a large part of it, other transport methods are common as well. Shipping by truck is common when the pickup location is too far away from rail network. Shipment by air or water is common with perishable goods or overseas transport. Consider the following when using the intermodal railway:

1. Many intermodal railway operators specialize in North American shipping.

2. Specialized intermodal companies are useful for overseas or remote locations.

3. Companies can lease shipping containers to further cut their shipping costs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a local intermodal rail yard for long distance domestic shipping

Many intermodal railway systems stay within the heavily populated areas of North America. Finding domestic shipping is easy and inexpensive, especially if you live near one of the main domestic shipping hubs.

I recommend: RSI Logistics ships all over the middle part of North America. They have a website that features many of their services, as well as case studies and terminal information. Bridge Terminal Transport has all of the standard intermodal rail facilities but also uses a fleet of over-the-road transport vehicles for out of the way places.

Find an intermodal rail service that ships to far away locations

Shipping to Europe or the more remote parts of North America are beyond the scope of most domestic intermodal railways. Specialized shippers will take your cargo to these more distant locations without the hassle of switching shippers midshipment.

I recommend: Use GE Equipment for shipments to Canada or Mexico. For Alaska or Puerto Rico, try JB Hunt. Their website features many helpful applications for keeping track of your shipments. If you need cargo sent to Europe, go to CH Robinson. They're part of a larger organization and can ship your cargo many places under a single company.

Cut the cost of intermodal rail freight by using your own equipment

Using your own transport containers can lower the cost of shipment. By buying or leasing containers, you'll be certain of the conditions of your cargo. Check with you shipper before making a large investment, as some intermodal train companies only use their own containers.

I recommend: One Way Lease has a wide selection of standard shipping containers to buy or lease, and they operate nationwide. The RCS Group has a smaller selection, but they specialize in intermodal transport and will help you customize your containers to suit your cargo.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking for an intermodal rail service, check out their pick-up options. Some companies offer site-to-site delivery through an over-the-road system, while others don't. If you find a shipping company that outsources their over-the-road shipping, research who'll actually be picking up your cargo, as well as the main shipper.

Intermodal transportation refers to transporting freight by two or more methods of shipping, such as ship and train or truck and train. If you plan to become an intermodal railway operator, or are researching the industry and career, you should become familiar with some special terms. Learn about special programs for intermodal operators, training institutes and industry terminology. Some of these key terms include the Intermodal Association of North America, the North American Container System, the Intermodal Security Training Exercise Program, the Intermodal Transportation Institute, Rail Security Sensitive Materials and the EPA's SmartWay Transport program.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Intermodal Association of North America (IANA)

Many companies that hire intermodal railway operators are members of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). This trade association promotes intermodal transportation, provides members with resources for professional development and participates in proceedings that impact the industry.

I recommend: Read about the benefits of the Intermodal Association of North America.

North American Container System (NACS)

Intermodal railway operators should be familiar with the North American Container System (NACS), which is a program that aids in the free interchange of domestic 48-foot and 53-foot containers among participating railroads.

I recommend: Inbound Logistics provides a little more insight into the application of this program for companies.

Intermodal Security Training Exercise Program (I-STEP)

The Intermodal Security Training Exercise Program (I-STEP) exists to prepare intermodal operators in the unique security issues that face the industry. The training is conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

I recommend: Get more information on the Intermodal Security Training Exercise Program (I-STEP) at FBO.gov and the Transportation Security Administration.

Intermodal Transportation Institute (ITI)

The Intermodal Transportation Institute (ITI) is a part of the University of Denver. It is an academic institute on intermodal transportation systems, offering an executive master's program for intermodal transportation leadership.

I recommend: Visit the Intermodal Transportation Institute - University of Denver for more details.

Rail Security Sensitive Materials

Toxic-by-inhalation materials (TIH), poisonous-by-inhalation materials (PIH), explosives and radioactive materials in bulk comprise what the government calls rail security sensitive materials. These materials can be dangerous during intermodal transportation and are subject to specific regulations set by the TSA.

I recommend: BNSF Railway provides a further explanation of these materials and the special regulations that apply.

SmartWay Transport

SmartWay Transport is a program in which the EPA collaborates with the freight industry to make transportation more energy-efficient. Intermodal operators and their employers can partner up with the program to save money, reduce emissions and become socially responsible leaders in the industry.

I recommend: Read about intermodal shipping with the SmartWay Transport program at EPA.