Piecing it together: Schneider, BNSF finding success in nontraditional intermodal channels. (Intermodal Shipping).(Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Schneider National)

In its quest to build upon its motto of being "more than truckload," Schneider National is ready to expand over its entire network an innovative intermodal marketing program it launched with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway last year that has attracted more intermodal business to both companies. Schneider hopes to partner with all the Class 1 railroads during the next year, anticipating the expansion at least will double its intermodal volumes.

The service, called TruckRail Express, combines long-haul trucking with rail to create an intermodal move that is much heavier on the highway component than is typical for traditional intermodal. By leveraging its own fleet of 53-foot trailers and its own drayage services for the program, Schneider has been able to maintain a competitive advantage over …