As global supply chains evolve, more shippers are looking beyond simple point-to-point trucking. The intersection of rail and truck, transloading is emerging as a high-impact lever for cost, efficiency, and flexibility. At RMT Companies, we specialize in harnessing the power of transload to deliver smarter solutions for our clients. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Transloading?
Transloading is the process of transferring goods between different modes of transport, most often between railcars and trucks. Rather than forcing your origin, destination, or carriers to align perfectly, transloading allows you to optimize each leg:
- Cargo arrives by rail to a transload facility
- Goods are unloaded, sorted, or consolidated
- Cargo is loaded onto trucks for final-mile or regional delivery
With this flexibility, shippers can take advantage of the cost efficiencies of rail where possible, while retaining the reach and responsiveness of trucking for the rest of the journey.
Advantages of a Strong Transload Setup
- Lower cost for long hauls
Rail transport is far more fuel- and cost-efficient for long-distance bulk movement. By moving goods by rail for the bulk of the distance, then finishing via truck, you reduce total cost per ton-mile.
- Expanded reach
Not every origin or destination has direct rail access. Transloading allows shippers in rail-devoid locations to still benefit from rail’s economies.
- Reduced handling and risk
Properly designed transload facilities decrease cargo touches, lowering the risk of damage, loss, or delays.
- Scalability and flexibility
You’re not locked into fixed routes. If supply or demand shifts, your transload plan can adapt. Seasonal surges or market changes become easier to manage.
- Integrated management
When transloading is bundled with trucking, logistics, and fleet services (as at RMT), you get coordination, accountability, and smoother transitions.
What Makes RMT’s Transload Offering Stand Out
- Rail connectivity
Our facilities tie directly into major railroads, Union Pacific, BNSF and regional short lines. That means minimal rail-haul gaps and faster transfers.
- Strategic locations
We operate six transload locations in Colorado to serve the Rocky Mountain corridor effectively.
- Modern handling systems
With experienced crews, modern equipment, and best practices in cargo handling, we minimize bottlenecks and damage.
- End-to-end integration
Since we also run trucking, 3PL, and repair services, you benefit from coordination and tight communication across all logistics stages.
- Safety & regulatory excellence
As a premier transloader with both Class I railroads, we adhere to rigorous safety and compliance standards to protect your goods and reputation.
Best Practices for Clients Considering Transloading
- Plan for buffer time: Allow transit slack for rail delays or transfer waits
- Consolidate when possible: Lessen partial loads to maximize economies
- Packaging matters: Bulk, pallet, or container packaging needs to suit both rail and truck handling
- Data transparency: Real-time visibility into inventory, transfers, and scheduling reduces surprises
- Partner with redundancy in mind: Choose transload providers with backup capacity and flexible infrastructure
Is Transloading Right for Your Supply Chain?
If your shipping volumes, routes, or cost pressures are rising, transloading may offer significant upside. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Do you ship large volumes over long distances?
- Are some origins or destinations not served by rail?
- Do you face cost pressures that make pure trucking too expensive?
- Do you want more logistical flexibility?
If you answered “yes” to any, then transload-enabled solutions deserve serious attention.
At RMT Companies, we’re ready to help you evaluate the options, build a hybrid rail-truck plan, and execute it reliably. From transloading operations to trucking, 3PL, repair, and safety compliance, our integrated model is built to move your goods and your business with confidence.
Reach out today and let’s explore how transload can reshape your logistics strategy.
