Unit Trains
It's a dedicated train in which all cars carry a single cargo from a customer. It operates in a continuous shuttle without being split up during the journey. This type is especially efficient and affordable for high-volume commodities.
Another great thing about them is that they run between two fixed destinations on a fixed schedule, saving you a lot of time and money.
Mixed Freight
Mixed freight trains move numerous cars and cargo from shippers. For the same reason, it does not move as smoothly as unit trains from one point to another.
To limit additional costs of individual switching and handling of cars, they are generally blocked in groups that can be switched together with minimum handling en route.
But in case there are insufficient cars ready to travel, they will be held in a queue until the block is cost-effective enough to travel, delaying the delivery of other cars.
Intermodal Freight
The method involves freight movement on land using rail and road modes. Intermodal trains either carry containers or road trailers. The freight covers the major transportation haul on the railroad, followed by road freight using trucks to reach its final destination.
It's more fuel-efficient and economical than long-haul road freight, reducing the total shipment cost by 10 to 15%. In addition, it is more desirable for shippers to want to reduce their carbon footprint.