Container Transportation: The Pros and the Cons

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Intermodal freight transport is the transportation of freight in intermodal cargo containers, using multiple modes of container transportation, including truck, rail, barge and ship. In this method of transport the actual freight itself is not handled as it is transferred from one transportation mode to another, but rather entire cargo containers and their contents are transferred from truck to rail, or from truck to barge/ship, or from rail to barge/ship, or from barge/ship to truck, etc.

Some of the advantages of intermodal freight transport include:

• Little or No Damage – When cargo is properly packed and sealed in a container, damage should not occur to the container’s contents during transit.

• Labor Savings – The actual cargo is only handled at its point of origin when it is packed into the container and at its final destination when it is unpacked.

• Handling During Shipping Is Eliminated – Once the container is packed and sealed, that container won’t be opened again until it reaches its final destination.

• Flexibility Regarding Types of Transportation – Containers can be transferred from ships to overland transport (trucks and trains) or even to barges for river transport. Barges are used to transport containerized cargo on major river systems like the Mississippi River in the United States and the Rhein River in Germany.

• Specialized Containers – There are a wide range of containers designed to transport different types of cargo, including liquids, frozen goods, compressed or liquefied gases, fast freight and even mini containers for smaller loads of cargo. There are also special containers for transporting livestock, tilting containers which make unloading grain easier and faster, fan-tainers that can ventilate the cargo within with built-in blowers or fans, hang-tainers with hanging systems for garments, and even open-end containers designed to transport long items.

• Little or No Theft/Pilferage – The likelihood of theft or pilferage is greatly reduced or even eliminated when cargo is shipped in sealed containers.

• Time Savings and Improved Efficiency – The use of containers means ships or barges are loaded and unloaded faster which means less time in port and improved efficiency. Cranes can move containers rapidly from ship/barge to trucks or trains for delivery directly to inland destinations.

Some disadvantages of intermodal freight transport include:

• Not Suitable for Transporting Smaller Shipments – Containerization is often not practical for shipping smaller loads because the shipping costs are often too expensive for half container loads.

• Heavy Loads Can Cause Road Damage – Trucks hauling heavy containerized loads can cause additional wear and tear to road surfaces which increase maintenance costs. In the case of public roads and highways, these increased maintenance costs can result in higher taxes to individuals and businesses.

• Delays in Deliveries – As has been experienced in Europe and elsewhere at various times, labor disputes or strikes involving dock workers at harbors or involving rail or trucking workers can delay deliveries.

• Costs at Harbor – Dock dues can be expensive, especially when ships are forced to remain in port for extended periods, as can happen when cargo can’t be unloaded during labor disputes/strikes involving dock workers. In addition, the largest container ships used today require specialized deep-water terminals and handling facilities.

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Source by Fred Dubya

3 Reasons to Buy a Repossessed Car From a Credit Union

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Are you shopping for a deal on a vehicle? Have you ever considered purchasing a repossessed vehicle but didn’t want to pay to locate repos? This article will provide you with information on understanding what a “repo” is, the benefits of buying one directly from the financial institution, and where you as a consumer can locate repossessed repossessed vehicles locally.

1- Value:

Much has been said about buying repossessed vehicles. While most of it has focused on the great deals you get, it’s important to understand what a “repo” is, and why you get a better deal. Calling a car a “repo” doesn’t automatically make it a good deal. A lot of the used cars you see at dealerships were once repos too. Most of the larger Banks will send their repos to “Dealer Only” auctions. Here Dealers will buy them at wholesale, clean them up, and then sell them to consumers for a commission. Once a Dealer adds a commission or fees to the wholesale price, it is now a retail price and the term “repo” is inaccurate. Dealers may still call them “repos”, but in reality this is nothing more than a sales gimmick.

Many of the smaller Credit Unions deal only in lower volumes, and get better results from selling their repos to the public. Typically they will post a link on their website that provides information about their current inventory. By skipping the Dealer and buying directly from your local Credit Unions you avoid paying and fees or commissions for a bona-fide “repo”. Credit Unions are anxious to sell these vehicles and can make added concessions that a Dealer or other private party could not.

2- Trust:

There seems to be a stigma with the term “Used Car Salesman”. Although most Dealers are honest, consumers become somewhat guarded when negotiating a vehicle purchase. Nobody wants to get buyers remorse after they find out they were mislead.

When you buy a repossessed car directly, you can be assured that they are not paying a sales commission or any hidden fees. Credit Unions want nothing more that to retain your trust. The Credit Union motto is; “not for profit, not for charity, but for service”. The Credit Unions have no incentive to sell you on a vehicle you don’t want.

3- Financing:

Credit Unions are not Car Dealers, but they can still sell cars and provide onsite financing. Perhaps the best perk of buying from a Credit Union is the financing. Ask any Car Dealer about financing and they will most likely tell you the Credit Unions are the best. Credit Unions can do things that larger Banks can’t.

Many Credit Unions who sell “repos” will even provide special financing terms as low as 0% financing. When buying these vehicles you can negotiate both the price and the financing terms. If the they can’t budge on the price, try asking for a reduction in the interest rate.

The next step is to start looking for a repo deal. RepoFinder’s website was designed and built with deal-seekers in mind. The website is 100% free to use and is the best place to start your repo search. RepoFinder connects you directly to the Lenders.

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Source by Mike Dudical