Transloading can be seen as somewhat riskier than intermodal because goods are not
confined to the same container their entire journey, introducing more room for error.
How can that concern, in particular, be addressed?
That is correct. Every time a material/product is handled we introduce the opportunity for error or damage. However, transloading is not going away. The need to move quickly and efficiently across long distances by rail/vessel and then cost-effectively across short distances, is here to stay.
There are so many technologies that can address this, including but not limited to automation. Autonomous moves are completed the exact same way every time, with precision and speed curves to ensure the product is not damaged. But to be fully autonomous, the automation systems have to be able to react to a number of different or changing parameters. This requires technologies such as vision tech to “see” what is happening, machine learning to adapt and grow, and AI to know how to react to new obstacles or new materials.
These complementary technologies, and others that are yet to materialize, are how we are going to navigate the new normal.