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Intermodal Trucking

transporting cargo from rail to ocean and vice versa.

Intermodal Trucking & Freight Transport

FMCSA Requirements for Intermodal Equipment Providers (IEP)

Intermodal freight transport allows for the transportation of freight containers through multiple avenues such as railway, ship, and truck so the freight itself does not have to be handled when changing from one mode to another. This promotes security, safety, and damage losses. Trucks typically fit into the equation by connecting the container from the ocean to rail segments of transportation and vice versa. Intermodal equipment providers are freight carriers that transport containers with trucks.

Intermodal trucking is a specialized form of trucking that is typically used around major ports and railroad terminals.

Since these trucks are specialized to carry the cargo for a short interval from ocean to rail, it is called "drayage." This is highly different from interstate truck driving and other types of commercial vehicle transportation. Recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a final rule about IEPs. While previously, they were regulated by their own industry standards, these drayage trucks are now subject to FMCSA federal regulations. This was done to enhance safety of this form of transportation in particular. These trucks will now have to be maintained more often and loaded more carefully.

Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act

Under the "Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users," each IEP driver must register with FMCSA, establish inspections and repairs to ensure compliance, obtain documentation from all maintenance performed, and develop a plan to effectively respond to any mechanical defects. These drivers do not have to perform these inspections themselves, but they may contract out those who are designated as acceptable maintenance workers. The driver is still ultimately responsible for the safety of their vehicle.

The safety requirements have also changed.

Before a driver operates their intermodal freight transport, they must inspect all the equipment components to make sure they are in good working order. The driver must also report to the IEP or whoever the designated agent is if they notice damage or defects. Whether defects are discovered or not, the driver must still issue a report of what was found in the vehicle inspection. The FMCSA will not conduct regular inspections and reviews to make sure that their drivers are in compliance with all the regulations.

If a driver is found in violation, then they will be cited and incur civil penalties.

The Difference Between IME Chassis & Regular Trailers

In order to spot an intermodal freight carrier, you need to look at the chassis; intermodal containers will have something called "twistlocks" located at each chassis lower corner. On IMEs, there is marking on the chassis itself rather than on the container. There should also be information located on the rear doors of these containers, because they are typically marked with information such as the maximum weight, net weight, cubic capacity, etc.

To learn more about these vehicles and the regulations that apply to them, click here.

Skilled Legal Representation from Arnold & Itkin: (888) 493-1629

If you have been involved in an accident with an intermodal freight carrier and that vehicle did not meet the regulations active as of 2009, then you may be entitled to compensation. These truck drivers and their supervisors may be financially penalized, but you may still be able to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. Arnold & Itkin LLP is a team of skilled truck accident lawyers who know what it takes to get justice for their clients.

If you were injured in such an accident, contact the firm today!

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  • $35.5 Million Settlement Reached for Family Injured in Truck Accident Arnold & Itkin’s truck accident lawyers fought for justice on behalf of a family injured by a reckless truck driver, securing a massive $35.5 million settlement.
  • $12 Million Massive Settlement Obtained for Truck Driver Arnold & Itkin is proud to announce that our firm has secured a $12 million settlement on behalf a truck driver who was crushed by his own cargo—which then led directly to a stroke. The driver, who was 56 years old at the time, now requires costly ...
  • $10 Million Fatal Trucking Case Settled in Less Than 6 Months Arnold & Itkin’s wrongful death attorneys secured one of the largest known settlements in the area where the case was filed, helping to take care of the family for the rest of their life.
  • $10 Million Settlement for Family Affected by Fatal Truck Accident Our firm represented the family of two people who were killed after their vehicle was hit by an 18-wheeler running a red light. We were successful in reaching an eight figure settlement on their behalf.
  • $10 Million Settlement Won Against Negligent Trucking Company Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Caj Boatright, and Ces Tavares represented a family who had lost their father in a tragic 18-wheeler accident. He was driving home when a trucker made a dangerous maneuver and caused a massive collision. The trucking company ...
  • $3.2 Million Settlement Reached for Injured Husband & Wife Attorney Cory Itkin represented a husband and wife who were injured after being hit by two semi-trucks. The wife sustained back injures while the husband was knocked unconscious; he needed several surgeries. Our firm was successful in reaching a ...
  • $2.1 Million Settlement Obtained for Truck Accident Victim Arnold & Itkin LLP secured a multimillion-dollar settlement for a man who suffered severe neck and back injuries in a truck accident. Our firm aggressively pursued the case until the defendant settled with our client days before trial.
  • $2 Million Large Settlement Obtained for Grieving Family Arnold & Itkin is proud to have secured a massive settlement for a family who lost their loved one due to the negligence and reckless action of a commercial vehicle driver. Our work will allow our clients to live in financial stability while they ...
  • $1.6 Million Large Settlement Reached for Victim of Severe Truck Accident Truck accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin secured a sizable settlement for a client who was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler on the highway. Her injuries required multiple surgeries, but the defendants refused to take responsibility. Her $1.6 million ...
  • $1.5 Million Big Rig Accident Victim Received Jury Verdict Arnold & Itkin LLP obtained a $1.5 million verdict on behalf of a client who suffered a torn meniscus when he was bumped by a tractor trailer. We are especially pleased with this result because the defendants accepted no responsibility for the injury ...
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