Sources & Attribution
We link what we use. We label what we infer. And we correct what we get wrong.
Intermodal Insider is built for readers who care about traceability. If we state a fact, you should be able to follow it back to a credible source. If we publish analysis, you should be able to see what evidence it rests on and where uncertainty remains.
This page explains what sources we use and how we attribute them.
Attribution standard
- Traceable sources for operational claims.
- Clear labeling when we infer or analyze.
- Corrections that protect trust.
If we cannot cite it, we do not state it as fact.
Source types we rely on
We use a mix of primary and secondary sources, prioritized in that order.
Primary sources (preferred)
- Public regulatory releases and official notices.
- Government or agency communications tied to transportation and compliance.
- Carrier, terminal, rail, port, or facility advisories (where publicly accessible).
- Port or rail ramp status alerts and service updates (where available).
- Formal statements, filings, and official reports.
Secondary sources (context and confirmation)
- Reputable logistics and supply chain trade publications.
- Market research reports and data summaries.
- Industry briefs and public presentations by recognized organizations.
Operational context sources
- Documented facility rules (appointments, cutoffs, access windows).
- Public service advisories, disruption bulletins, and weather-related notices.
How we evaluate sources
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Authority
Is it issued by the organization directly responsible for the event or policy?
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Specificity
Does it contain operationally precise details (facility, lane, dates, affected services)?
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Timeliness
Is it current, and does it specify when the information was valid?
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Corroboration
Can it be confirmed independently, especially for high-impact claims?
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Track record
Has this source been reliable over time?
Citation format on Intermodal Insider
We aim for clean, readable attribution without turning articles into academic papers.
Inline links for direct claims
When a sentence relies on a source, we link to it in context.
Source blocks when appropriate
For guides, explainers, and research notes, we may include a Sources section at the end with primary references, secondary context, and related advisories.
Dates and versions
When a source is time-sensitive, we include the publication date and the last updated timestamp if the source provides it.
Paywalled sources and restricted materials
- We do not reproduce paywalled content verbatim.
- We describe information at a high level and support it with public references when possible.
- If we cannot cite it responsibly, we treat it as analysis or do not publish it.
Images, charts, and external data
External images and charts
- We credit the original publisher or creator.
- We link to the original location when possible.
- We respect licensing restrictions.
Our own charts and summaries
- We label inputs at the category level.
- We note limitations and uncertainty.
- We avoid implying direct access to proprietary systems unless explicitly stated.
Handling broken links and disappearing sources
Corrections to sources and attribution
If we cite the wrong document, misread a notice, or link incorrectly, we correct it.
Send editorial@intermodalinsider.com with:
- The page URL.
- The incorrect citation.
- The correct source link, if available.
- A short explanation.
The standard we hold ourselves to
- If we cannot cite it, we do not state it as fact.
- If it is interpretation, we label it as analysis.
- If we are wrong, we correct it visibly.
Have a source we should track regularly?
Email sources@intermodalinsider.com with the port or rail alerts, advisories, or regulatory updates you want us to watch.