What Is Intermodal Transport? Advantages and Uses
Intermodal transport is a transport system in which the same load unit (container, swap body or semi-trailer) moves by more than one mode without the cargo being handled.
What Is Intermodal Transport? Advantages and Uses
Intermodal transport is a transport system in which the same load unit (container, swap body or semi-trailer) moves by more than one mode without the cargo being handled.
How does it work?
The cargo is loaded into a single load unit, and this unit is transferred between road, rail and sea using cranes or terminal equipment. Because the cargo is not unloaded and reloaded when changing modes, the risk of damage and waiting time are reduced.
Intermodal, multimodal and combined compared
- Intermodal: the same load unit, more than one mode, transfer without handling the cargo.
- Multimodal: more than one mode, a single contract of carriage and a single responsible operator.
- Combined: the main leg is by rail, inland waterway or sea; the first and last road legs are kept short.
Advantages
- Cost advantage over long distances.
- Lower emissions per unit of cargo.
- Lower risk of damage because there is less handling.
- Less affected by road capacity and road restrictions.
Limitations
Dependence on terminal and service schedules, waiting at transfer points and planning of the first and last legs require attention. That is why it gives the most efficient result for regular, high-volume shipments. Logitork manages first- and last-leg deliveries with its own road fleet. For details, see our Intermodal Transport page.
Frequently asked questions
Is intermodal transport cheaper?
It is generally advantageous over long distances and with regular volumes; over short distances, road can be more economical.
Is intermodal transport slower?
Transit time can be longer than by road because of terminal transfers, but predictability is high thanks to scheduled services.
Is it used in European transport?
Yes. Solutions that combine road with rail or sea are common on European lines.