Intermodal transportation

What is intermodal transportation?

Intermodal transportation is a system of transporting goods using at least two different modes of transportation without the need to reload the cargo itself. The cargo remains in the same loading unit (e.g. container, semi-trailer) throughout the entire route. This makes the transportation process more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly.

The aim of intermodal transportation is to optimize costs, time and logistics while reducing CO₂ emissions and environmental impact. The use of different modes of transportation allows for flexible adaptation to infrastructural and logistical conditions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Which modes of transportation are used in intermodal transportation?

Intermodal transportation uses different modes of transportation, such as road transportation, where trucks transport loading units to railway terminals, ports or airports. Rail is an efficient and environmentally friendly way of transporting containers over long distances. Short-sea shipping allows containers to be transported between ports, and inland waterways, based on barges and canals, support deliveries to ports and rail terminals.

2. What are the main benefits of intermodal transport?

Intermodal transportation allows for a significant reduction in transportation costs by using rail and waterways, which are cheaper than road transportation in terms of fuel and road tolls. It is also a more environmentally friendly solution because it reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to transportation by truck alone. In addition, minimizing the number of reloading operations improves the safety of the cargo by reducing the risk of damage. Time efficiency is another advantage – using rail and water transport avoids traffic jams and road restrictions.

3. What is the intermodal transport process?

Intermodal transportation begins with the loading of goods into an intermodal container or trailer. The truck then transports the cargo to an intermodal terminal where it is transferred to a train, ship or barge without having to open the container. The next stage is the main transportation, which can be by rail, sea or inland waterway. At the destination terminal, the cargo is reloaded onto a truck that delivers the cargo to the final recipient.

4. What loading units are used in intermodal transportation?

The most commonly used loading units are sea containers (20′, 40′, 45′), which are standard units in global transportation. In intermodal transportation, intermodal trailers that are suitable for transportation by rail and truck are also used, as well as swap bodies, which are popular in Europe. In rail transportation, the BDF system (Bahn- und Direktverkehrsfahrzeuge) is also used, which enables the transportation of semi-trailers.

5. What are the biggest challenges of intermodal transportation?

Despite its many advantages, intermodal transportation comes with some challenges. Higher initial costs result from the necessity to invest in infrastructure, terminals and transhipment equipment. The transportation process can take longer than road-only transportation because transhipment operations require time. Furthermore, the efficient implementation of intermodal transport requires well-organized logistics and close cooperation between the operators of the various modes of transport.

6. Which industries use intermodal transport the most?

Intermodal transport is widely used in various industries. In international trade, it is crucial for the transportation of containers from Asia, Europe, and North America. In the automotive sector, it is used to transport car parts to factories and assembly plants. The e-commerce industry uses it to optimize the cost of long-distance deliveries. The chemical and pharmaceutical sectors use this method of transportation to transport goods that require a high level of safety and stable transport conditions.

Intermodal transportation is a modern logistics solution that optimizes costs, improves operational efficiency, and reduces the negative impact on the environment. Thanks to the possibility of combining different means of transportation, it ensures safety, predictability of deliveries, and greater flexibility in supply chain management.