Freight shipping is a fundamental element of global trade and the backbone of supply chains worldwide. It involves the movement of goods from manufacturers to markets, which is vital in keeping the wheels of commerce turning. Understanding the principles of freight movement is essential for businesses and individuals engaged in shipping or receiving goods.

Call it what you will – the Windy City, Chi-Town, the City of Big Shoulders – Chicago has a unique place in the pantheon of American cities. 

UPDATE (Nov 30, 2022): The United States government has initiated legislation to step in with an intervention aimed at preventing a rail workers' strike as we move into December. Averitt continues to monitor this situation closely and we are working to ensure all freight continues to flow smoothly for our customers.

Transportation costs can quickly eat into budgets that involve long haul shipments. As more businesses struggle to find long haul capacity due to the driver shortage, intermodal shipping is increasingly a viable option. 

The growth of the globalized economy has led to more supply chains that rely on importing and exporting through the nation's busy seaports. This increase in international business, however, has also led to increased supply chain costs as a result of cargo congestion and capacity constraints around the seaports. Adding to the issue, fewer drivers are available to move containers long distances inland to shipper destinations, which can lead to delays.

Capacity crunches can be one of the biggest headaches for shippers. Tightened capacity can lead to higher transportation costs and increased potential for delays when you can't find space. With today's challenging market conditions, many shippers are looking to rail transportation as a possible remedy for their capacity problems.

When you ship in volume, using less-than-truckload (LTL) for distribution is generally the most cost-effective solution for regional and short haul transportation. However, if your freight is moving a long distance, such as from the West Coast to locations across the country, the cost of moving multiple less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments can quickly add up.

It's a variation on a classic children's math problem: "If a freight train travelling 50 mph and a truck travelling 65 mph leave at the same time, where will your freight be tomorrow morning?"