In order to haul intermodals we need all drivers to be signed up for the CSX APP!  Please do this as soon as you can so we can make sure there is time to troubleshoot and teach you how to use it. Attached is a picture of the app so you can get the right one!  First, download the ShipCSX app from the app store.

Step 1: Select Register Here

Step 2: Select XGate User

Step 3: Fill out page

Step 4: Confirmation email sent

Step 5: Enter code from email

Step 6: Set password

Step 7: Registration complete. Remember you User ID; keep a note in your phone with your login credentials

Here is the website with instructions as well

https://www.csxintermodalterminals.com/index.cfm/resources1/xgate-registration-instructions/

If you get an error, this is most common for drivers with a Rhode Island license with 7 digits, please let us know.

NEW APPLICATION: CSX (XGate) 

Use of this aps will help to expedite the gate process and reduce turn time in the yard. User guide for XGate below: 

Introduction to Intermodal Containers

Dry vans, intermodal containers have unique characteristics that pose additional risks during transportation. One of the most critical safety concerns is rollover accidents. Improper securement of container to chassis,  a higher center of gravity, and increased weight can contribute to these types of accidents. Driver and public safety are always our top priority. This course will outline the key elements drivers must be aware of before transporting an intermodal container.  

Drivers can help mitigate these risks by doing the following:

• Conducting a proper pre-trip inspection: All defects should be documented in the Relay mobile app and the equipment should be placed out of service. Driving on an open defect places the driver and public at unnecessary risk.

• Confirming securement of container: Containers are secured to a chassis only by pin/twist locks.  Failing to verify all four corners are properly secured can lead to a container tipping the tractor and/or falling off. 

• Reducing speed: Rollovers have happened due to drivers taking turns or corners too fast. Drivers should reduce speed when taking a turn or corner.  The recommended speed is 12 mph or less. With the increased weight of an intermodal, the stopping distance will increase. A slower speed helps reduce potential risks.

Download the PDF above from your computer! Its the training guide given by the school in Brockton! We will also print these and keep them in the trucks! 

Lets get into it.... It is recommended that there be at least 20 inches of swing clearance between the mudflaps and the spine frame in front of the landing gear. 

Chassis inspection sticker

The chassis is inspected annually. If an expired inspection is found it will result in a defect. If the container was inspected in California, it will have a Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) sticker. Both the FMCSA or BIT stickers are usually located in the front of the chassis. In the image below, “MAR” and “22” are punched, which indicates it was inspected March 2022 and will expire the last day of March 2023.

Wheels, tires, and brakes

Chassis may sit idle for long periods of time.  Because of this, it is important to check tires and wheels carefully for proper inflation, dry rot, bulges, cap separation, and overall integrity. Heavier loads place tires and wheels under greater stress, which may lead to a blowout and a rollover. 

Sliding chassis

Confirm tandem pins are pushed through the holes and the locking handle is all the way in. Tandem pins need to be engaged in the same hole on both sides of the chassis.

SAFELY SECURING PIN AND TWIST LOCKS

The container is only secured to the chassis by pin locks in the front and twist locks in the rear. If not properly secured, there is a high risk of a container sliding off the chassis. This may lead to a rollover.  The handle and latch mechanism must be secured by a secondary securement, such as a zip tie.  These locking mechanisms can rattle loose due to vibrations, bumps, and rough roads.  Secondary securement keeps the latch from becoming unfastened during transport. 

A visual inspection will NOT adequately confirm securement. You MUST physically check the locks to ensure proper securement. Try to move the handle to ensure it will not move. Confirm pins and twist locks are engaged by doing a visual check.

All four locks must be working, engaged in a locked position, and secured before the equipment can be moved.  The driver must not move the chassis if any lock is malfunctioning, missing or disengaged.  If this is the case the driver should contact Dispatch, notify yard personnel, and escalate with ROC via Relay's 'Click to Call' feature.

AIR AND ELECTRICAL LINES

Connection points for electrical and service lines are located lower on the chassis than they are on a dry van. Ensure glad hands are in good working order and all seals are present and not damaged (i.e. dry rot). Check the electrical socket for signs of significant corrosion or stuck pins that may need to be removed. 

The pictures below show the position of connection points on the frame.

Mind the lines, keep them off the catwalk! After coupling, if lines are touching the catwalk or at risk of becoming snagged, makes adjustments to allow proper clearance.  

DRIVING WITH INTERMODAL CONTAINERS

According to the FMCSA, over 78% of rollovers involve driver error. Drivers are key component for preventing rollovers. To reduce the chances of a rollover, be sure to:

Avoid sudden, unnecessary movements.

Identify high-risk areas on the road.

Remain alert and attentive behind the wheel.

Control speed and maintain proper speed cushions.

Avoid sharp turns: Another preventative measure is to use extra caution when turning. A turn or maneuver 90 degrees or less has a higher chance of causing a jack knife or rollover. Use an 'S' approach when backing to reduce the likelihood of a rollover when maneuvering in trailer yards.

Reduce speed: Speed management is critical while towing an intermodal trailer. Remember, those posted speed limit signs aren't meant for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers. They're meant for passenger vehicles traveling in good weather conditions. Intermodal containers have a higher center of gravity, meaning the weight of the trailer is higher from the ground. Anything with a high center of gravity, relative to its width, is less stable.  This means the container will lean more than expected, especially during turns, and possibly result in a rollover. While operating over the road, reduce speed to 12 mph or less when taking a turn.

Making turns at an intersection: Wide intersections may cause drivers to be too confident when turning. Generally, the driver is taught to "square-the-turn" at slow speeds to reduce the impact of off-tracking. Loads with a high center of gravity have to be driven differently through intersection turns. The driver should "round-the-turn" to make sure the chassis does not have a sudden change in direction. 

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections on both the container and the chassis.

• Turn carefully. Never turn the truck less than 90 degrees to the chassis.

• Secondary securement of pin and twist locks with zip ties is required to prevent locks from unfastening during transport.

• When you notice a safety issue, you should contact your company, notify yard personnel, and escalate with ROC via Relay's 'Click to Call' feature.  All defects must be documented in the Relay mobile app and will result in the equipment being placed out of service.

DOMESTIC DRAYAGE EXECUTION

Critical yard safety rules 

In addition to intermodal container safety, there are specific yard rules and procedures drivers must follow in order to stay safe in a rail yard.  On the first trip to the rail yard, drivers should plan for an extra 15 minutes to visit the 'Driver Assistance Booth' (DAB). Here, rail yard personnel can help familiarize drivers with the layout of the facility and proper procedures for executing loads.  When moving freight into or out of a rail yard, follow the posted yard rules at each facility. 

These yard rules may vary slightly at different sites, but generally they will include:

• All posted signs, speed limits, signals, or painted markings (such as fire lanes, etc.) must be obeyed at all times.

• Only individuals with rail yard business are allowed entry. No passengers or pets.

• Seatbelts must be worn at all times.

• Drugs, alcohol, and/or weapons are prohibited on rail yard property.

• Yield to trains, yard equipment and pedestrians.

• Drivers may not remove any seal and or open any loaded trailer container.

• Ensure containers are properly locked and secured to the chassis.

• Park only in designated areas and no pull-through parking.

• Cross tracks only at designated crossings. 

• Drivers must stay with their vehicle. Do not leave loads unattended or drop loads inside or outside of facility without prior authorization.

• Report all accidents to checkpoint personnel or proper authorities immediately.

• A high visibility safety vest is required.

• Cell phone use is restricted to hands-free devices unless the driver is parked in a safe parking zone.

• Turn on headlights and use turn signals.

• Avoid lift equipment runways and do not drive under lift equipment.

• Stop for flare and flashing lights.

• Present vehicle operator's license upon request.  All vehicles are subject to search.

• Remove all zip ties from chassis upon drop-off.

Picking up and dropping off intermodal containers at the rail yard 

Picking up and dropping off intermodal containers at an Amazon facility 

The pickup and drop-off process for intermodal containers will be exactly the same as that for traditional dry van trailers. All normal Amazon facility check-in and check-out processes will apply equally to these load types.  Obey all posted signage and directions from Amazon yard personnel.

Amazon yard configuration may vary by site and be more confined than others. To account for this, and the fact that intermodal containers are top heavy, use extra caution  when backing an intermodal container.

Reporting delays

All delays should be reported ASAP to allow for accurate tracking. Delays can be reported directly through the Relay mobile app.

Container or chassis damage

Report any damage directly to ROC via the 'click to call' feature in Relay, and document it in the pre or post-trip inspection in the Relay mobile app.

In cases where minor damage is found at the rail yard, an on-site maintenance technician may be able to fix the issue. For more serious damage, rather than rejecting the load and driving away, the rail yard may be able to swap the container onto a different chassis. You may also check if there is a different load that can be picked up instead. 

FAQ's

Will intermodal loads impact my scorecard metrics?

Yes, intermodal loads will impact your scorecard metrics, similar to how your regular, over-the-road dry van trailer loads do.

Will my company’s drivers be required to assist with container live loading?

No, your drivers are not required to assist with container live loading at the rail yard. The container should already be mounted on a chassis and parked at one of the lots when your drivers go to the rail yard. If your drivers are asked to assist in live loading by rail yard personnel, your drivers are required to escalate it to ROC, who will cancel the load. 

Will my company’s drivers be required to assist with a container swap?

When your drivers perform a container pre-trip inspection, if they detect damage on the chassis, they are required to go to the mechanic at the roadability booth. The personnel at the roadability booth will determine whether it is a quick fix (e.g., a broken tail lamp) or whether the damage has rendered the chassis not usable. If the chassis is not usable, your driver will be asked to assist in a container swap. During this step, your driver will be required to pull a chassis from the chassis lot and bring it to the roadability booth. The roadability personnel will then perform container swap. After the swap, the driver will perform another check and leave the rail yard.

What are common intermodal load disruptions?

When dropping loaded containers at the rail yard, we have observed a few instances in which the WayBill (required by the rail yard to move the container) was missing from the VRID. Drivers will notice the missing WayBill when they can’t get access at the ingate, and their app mentions the issue is related to a missing WayBill. If your driver encounters a similar situation, please tell them to contact ROC and escalate the issue. The ROC associate will ensure that the WayBill number is generated and that the driver can get access at the ingate. When picking up loaded containers from the rail yard, drivers need the container number and a pickup number (also known as Release Number). If either of them is missing on the VRID, either the driver or your dispatch can contact ROC to get the missing info.

Should my drivers or dispatch contact ROC if we don’t see a WayBill number before my driver leaves the Amazon facility to the rail yard?

No, drivers should NOT contact ROC if they don’t see a WayBill number before they leave the Amazon facility. WayBills are automatically generated, and the trigger to generate the WayBill is the container physically leaving the Amazon facility.

What guidance should I provide my drivers if they face a disruption at a rail yard?

If your drivers encounter an issue at a rail yard, please have them reach out to the driver assistance booth (DAB), which is present at every rail yard. Even if the booth is not manned, there is usually a central service line that they can call to get assistance. If the driver’s issue is still not resolved, please have them contact ROC. For disruptions that don’t get resolved either at the DAB or with ROC, please escalate them to your MMPM so that necessary action can be taken.

During the coupling process 5th wheels should never come more than 6 inches off the ground..