Intermodal transportation
Intermodal transportation is the movement of goods using at least two different modes of transport, but without handling the shipment itself when changing modes i.e. the shipment remains in the same loading unit (usually a container or trailer) throughout the journey.
Who uses intermodal transportation?
Shippers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers (LSPs) use intermodal transport to move goods efficiently across regions or borders. It’s often used for long-haul shipments where combining rail or sea with road transport helps reduce the total transport costs and the carbon emissions.
How is intermodal transportation different from multimodal?
Although often used interchangeably, intermodal and multimodal transportation involve different levels of risk and handling. Intermodal transportation involves a shipment that is transported using multiple transport modes, but that is only handled once. Multimodal transportation also involves a shipment that is transported using multiple transport modes, but the shipment may be moved between containers and handled at multiple points in its journey, especially when it's being moved from one mode to another.
Is intermodal transportation sustainable?
Intermodal transportation can be a more sustainable option for some shipments as part of the journey can be carried out by low-emission transport modes such as rail or sea. Carbon accounting tools can help companies calculate the carbon footprint of intermodal routes and compare them to road-only alternatives.
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Intermodal transportation
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