Dive Brief:
- Schneider National launched Fast Track, a premium rail service that’s meant to provide “a truck-like experience with intermodal benefits,” the carrier announced Nov. 10.
- The carrier said the service combines its asset-based truckload and intermodal capabilities with its rail partnerships to create “some of the fastest most consistent intermodal lanes in the industry,” per its announcement.
- “We designed this solution to meet the demands of shippers who can’t afford delays, offering speed, control and confidence across every mile,” Michael Baumgardt, SVP and general manager of intermodal, said in a statement.
Dive Insight:
Schneider said its intermodal service between the U.S. and Mexico delivers up to two days faster transit times than its competitors on key lanes between the two countries.
Expanding intermodal service to Mexico is a priority for Schneider, which in 2021 aimed to double that business by 2030. The company’s intermodal segment generated $281.4 million in Q3 revenues, up 6% year over year, buoyed by strong volume growth in Mexico, the carrier reported Oct. 30.
CEO Mark Rourke said on a call with analysts that the carrier’s intermodal business experienced 10% year over year volume growth in Q3. He added that its service to Mexico, which delivers one to three days faster transit times over its competition, “continues to resonate with customers.”
Schneider said its Fast Track service pledges to deliver 95% on-time performance, backed by priority rail placement and dedicated planning, according to the carrier. Schneider supports its claim though its success with time and service-sensitive freight moving from Mexico to Kansas City, Chicago and beyond.
Other features of the premium service include optimized drayage and expedited recovery solutions to reduce disruption. It also provides 24/7 tracking, flexible nationwide service and security with a nearly 100% theft-free record in the U.S. and Mexico in 2024, the company said.
Schneider said its Fast Track service is expanding to more lanes to meet growing demand for just-in-time and expedited shipping, though its release offered no details on potential markets.
