MONTREAL, Que.– Carriers want to be part of the intermodal action, says Canadian Trucking Alliance David Bradley.

Bradley said as much in a speech to marine shipping line executives during a shipping federation conference held today in Montreal.

Many trucking company owners “consider themselves to be in the transportation service business, not just trucking. So, if there is a better way than over-the-highway, carriers will use intermodal service,” says Bradley.

While the trucking industry isn’t about to stand by and let a wholesale shift in freight away from trucking occur, motor carriers are prepared to enter into partnerships built on mutual respect with carriers from other modes, where it makes sense to do so, says Bradley.

Bradley expects intermodalism to continue to grow as all modes improve their safety and efficiency.
But trucking will remain the dominant mode, because of its flexible, time-sensitive service, he says.

Bradley spoke at a session entitled “Intermodalism’s Vital Benefits for Shippers” at the 100th annual conference of the Shipping Federation of Canada. Other guest speakers and panelists included executives from the railway industry.