The ability to move freight efficiently across North America depends on more than capacity or pricing. It depends on access and on how many doors your logistics partner can open on your behalf.
That’s where direct contracts with Class I railroads make all the difference. It’s a level of access that only a select few intermodal providers in the United States maintain. For customers, it changes what’s possible.
Understanding What “Direct Contracts” Really Mean
Every intermodal shipment involves coordination among railroads, drayage partners, and logistics providers. But not all providers have the same type of access to those rail networks.
When an IMC holds direct contracts with Class I railroads, it means they can work directly with the rail carrier; no intermediaries or third-party handoffs. This kind of access allows them to quote, plan, and manage shipments directly through the railroad’s system.
For shippers, that translates to something more valuable than convenience: a network advantage that affects cost, service, flexibility, and resiliency all at once.
1. Nationwide Reach and True Network Flexibility
Having direct contracts with Class I railroads means freight can move through almost any major lane in North America without being limited to a single carrier’s footprint.
This reach gives customers the freedom to design routing strategies that make sense for their freight, not just for one carrier’s network. It also makes it easier to maintain consistent service when markets shift or capacity tightens.
In practical terms, that flexibility means:
- More routing options when a particular lane faces congestion or service interruptions
- Easier access to alternate routes and capacity when markets are constrained
- Fewer limitations caused by regional or carrier-specific boundaries
In an industry where efficiency depends on adaptability, that level of access often becomes the difference between maintaining momentum and facing disruption.
2. Reliable Service Through Direct Coordination
When an IMC works directly with Class I railroads, information moves faster and accountability is clearer.
Direct coordination allows for real-time problem solving. Delays, reroutes, or equipment needs can be addressed immediately, without waiting for messages to filter through extra layers.
It also creates transparency. The IMC understands the railroads’ schedules, operating procedures, and service standards firsthand. That visibility makes planning more accurate and helps prevent surprises.
For shippers, this results in consistent performance, predictable transit times, faster updates, and fewer service gaps between regions.
3. Cost Efficiency Through Smarter Network Use
Asset ownership isn’t the only way to achieve competitive pricing. In many cases, cost efficiency comes from knowing how to use the network strategically.
IMCs with direct Class I contracts will evaluate options across multiple networks and choose the best balance of cost and performance for each shipment. That flexibility helps avoid overreliance on one network, which can drive up costs when capacity tightens.
Shippers benefit from pricing that reflects the realities of the market rather than the limitations of a single network.
4. Broader Visibility and Proactive Communication
Visibility remains one of the biggest challenges in intermodal transportation and one of the biggest advantages of having direct Class I access.
An IMC with direct contracts connects directly into each railroad’s tracking system. The data from all those networks can be combined into one platform, giving customers a unified view of their shipments.
Instead of switching between systems or waiting for secondhand updates, customers see everything in one place—from origin to destination.
This creates a foundation for proactive communication. When data from Class I railroads is available in real time, potential issues can be spotted early and resolved before they escalate.
5. Agility and Resilience When Conditions Change
The freight market is unpredictable. Weather events, service shifts, and seasonal surges can all disrupt operations.
Providers with direct access to Class I railroads can adapt quickly. If a disruption affects one region, freight can be routed through another carrier’s network with minimal delay.
This kind of agility builds resilience. It helps maintain delivery windows, steady cycle times, and dependable performance even when conditions aren’t ideal.
The Bottom Line
Direct contracts with Class I railroads don’t just expand access; they expand opportunity. Working with an IMC like Cornerstone makes it possible to design smarter routes, maintain service consistency, improve visibility, and stay adaptable when the market changes.
For shippers, this reach means more than nationwide coverage. It means working with an intermodal partner who can tailor solutions to fit how your business moves, not just how one network operates.
In a fast-changing industry, that level of flexibility and control isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.
Discover the difference Cornerstone’s rail network can make. Request your quote today.
