Whimsy Intermodal is a domestic drayage company that has earned a reputation for providing safe and reliable services for all import and export containers between the Central U.S. region and global markets. The company handles all container traffic, international and domestic, through the Chicago and Kansas City rails to and from points in the Midwest and beyond.

“There are over 500 drayage service providers in the Chicago-Kansas City region. What makes us different are our people, infrastructure, assets, and processes. Everybody can purchase the same trucks or chassis, but it is the people who possess the knowledge to circumvent challenges and complete a job safely,” says Matt O’Mara, owner of Whimsy Intermodal.

Unlike most service providers that hold drivers accountable for errors, Whimsy sets them up for success. It understands that success cannot be achieved through execution alone but requires constant work toward the goal. The entire team works cohesively to support and encourage drivers to complete their mission of making customers happy.

Whimsy’s safety record is second to none in the industry. The majority of its drivers are hazmat-certified, making it a preferred handler of hazardous materials.

Over the past few years, the company has been expanding its system of terminals and adding more assets like chassis, lifts, and straddle carriers to assist its drivers. These additions will help improve its processes, like driver inspections and safe parking. By building the infrastructure close to the rails, it keeps a close eye on all operations.

Drivers have real-time information on when lift operators are working or on a break. Adding more assets to its inventory can also help overcome the ongoing chassis shortage in the market.

A driver-advocate company, Whimsy offers excellent pay and treats them like family. This has ensured a steady flow of wordof- mouth referrals. Today, Whimsy has 38 company trucks and 104 owner-operators, and a long waitlist for both.

Recently, a client approached Whimsy to quickly move a large amount of high-value, high-security freight. Sixty drivers had to pick up daily loads from different rail yards and deliver them to a location 180 miles from the ramp in Indiana while following the client’s specific freight handling requirements.

The Whimsy team completed the job per client requirements while handling the needs of the rest of its clients, as it always has a surplus of drivers at its disposal.

Whimsy also excels in handling heavy containers. It is equipped with a fleet of tri-axle and ultralight chassis that enables drivers to maneuver any size of overweight containers with relative ease.

Its container storage services save clients significant money. Unlike railroads that charge exorbitant rates, Whimsy offers the service at a quarter of the cost and zero per-diem. In addition, the company can trans-load freight from a client’s containers into its own. This provides them with additional savings as they can return the containers and avoid paying a per diem rate or overcharges.

Traditionally, the transportation industry has been behind on the technology curve. However, Whimsy has made significant strides in this area through electronic data interchange (EDI). This enables clients to share information directly from their computers to Whimsy’s TMS, eliminating errors that can occur during manual re-entry of data. The process increases ordering speed, making dispatch much quicker.

Customers can also monitor their orders as it moves through the system. Available as a mobile application, the TMS is installed on tablets present in each truck. By uploading documents through the application, drivers ensure clients receive real-time updates on their orders, including proof of delivery within an hour of delivery completion.

Whimsy has recently implemented an AI scanning machine that automatically reads orders and adds them to its TMS, increasing the speed and efficiency of operations. AI-based security solutions ensure 24/7 protection at its yards and facilities. The team is keen on applying AI technology to its fullest and improving its processes and business decisions.

Paying attention to each customer’s special requirements while guaranteeing high-quality service, Whimsy Intermodal continues to be the partner of choice for all intermodal services in the Central American region.