Quality Carriers launches bulk intermodal service

The major bulk chemical hauler will gradually roll out the product across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.    Quality Carriers, a major bulk chemical hauler, announced Tuesday it has launched a new bulk intermodal service in the western half of the United States and will gradually roll it out nationwide, as well as to Canada and Mexico.
   The Tampa, Fla.-based trucking company is currently offering service on corridors between the Gulf Coast and California, and the Gulf and Chicago on Union Pacific Railroad.
   Quality President Randy Sturtz said in a phone interview the bulk transportation provider plans to have 100 40-foot bulk intermodal containers by the end of the year and 500 units by the end of 2015.
   The units are very similar to trailer equipment shippers are used to handling, he said.
   “This product is in response to the current capacity issues facing the bulk industry due to driver shortages. … Our new intermodal offering allows us to provide our customers with greater shipping capacity while freeing up driver capacity” to be used in more efficient ways, Sturtz said in a statement.
   Quality has one of the largest fleets of stainless steel tanks and an extensive terminal network in North America.