Multimodal transport

WHAT IS  MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT?

The basic definition describes multimodal transport as a transportation process that utilizes different modes of transport, based on a single contract, and involves transshipment during its course. Most commonly, it refers to international multimodal transport where goods are transported over long distances to a destination located in another country.

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MULTIMODAL RANSPORT VS. COMBINED AND INTERMODAL TRANSPORT

Combined, multimodal and intermodal transport are often confused and used interchangeably. However, despite their shared characteristic of involving the use of at least two different modes of transport, their definitions are distinct.

Combined transport stands out in that the main portion of the transport occurs by rail or sea, while the delivery and pick-up to/from the final destination are carried out by road transport over specified distances.

How does multimodal transport differ from intermodal transport? Intermodal transport involves the transportation of goods using at least two different modes of transport, similar to multimodal transport. However, the difference lies in the fact that the cargo remains in a single loading unit (e.g., a container) throughout the entire transport.

Multimodal transport entails the change of loading units during transshipment, which constitutes the fundamental difference between these types of transport.

ADVANTAGES OF MULTIMODAL

Multimodal transport has many advantages, which makes it a more advantageous solution compared to transport using one mode of transport. The most important advantages of multimodal transport include:

• global reach – multimodal transport gives the possibility of transporting goods over very long distances, which creates the possibility of commercial connection of distant regions,
• reduction of transport costs – multimodal transport allows you to adjust the means of transport on individual sections of the route, which allows you to optimize transport costs, this is especially important in the case of deliveries between distant destinations,
• greater flexibility thanks to the possibility of choosing from many transport variants – multimodal transport allows you to create combinations of sea, rail, road and air transport, which gives the possibility of better adaptation to the needs and possibilities, for example, road-rail-sea transport,
• reduction of road congestion – multimodal transport enables the transfer of part of the load from road vehicles to other types of transport, which contributes to improving the capacity of the road network,
• shortening the delivery time,
• reduction of greenhouse gas emissions – the use of multimodal transport to transport cargo causes less greenhouse gas emissions compared to road transport.

MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT – HOW DO GOODS ARE TRANSPORTED?

The responsibility for organizing the transportation lies with the transport operator – in our case, the freight forwarder. By signing the agreement, this person takes on the responsibility for the goods – ensuring their efficient transport to the destination, their completeness, handling any potential damages, as well as addressing any encountered transport issues.

The transportation of goods is carried out based on a single multimodal transport contract. The transport is executed by utilizing at least two modes of transport. It can run smoothly thanks to the presence of terminals that serve as points of connection between different modes of transport. Among them, port terminals connecting maritime and land transportation, railway terminals primarily used for container transshipment from sea transport, and intermodal terminals for both maritime and road transport, can be distinguished.

Multimodal transport can deliver goods to both domestic and international destinations. In this regard, it can be categorized as having either domestic, international, or intercontinental scope.

PEKO INTERNATIONAL FORWARDING — AN EXPERIENCED TRANSPORT OPERATOR

PEKO Spedycja is a professional transportation company operating in the market for several years. We offer a wide range of freight forwarding services, including the organization of international multimodal transportation. Our experienced employees provide expert advice on selecting the appropriate modes of transport and the best transport route. They will also prepare an offer tailored to your needs and capabilities. By choosing our company, you can expect the highest quality of service, favorable transport conditions, and full supervision over the transportation process. We are a reliable partner in both domestic and international transportation, and it is worthwhile to collaborate with us!