Intermodal vs. multimodal transport
It is worth starting by distinguishing between two concepts that are often confused. Intermodal transport (also called combined transport) is a type of multimodal transport. The difference between the two types lies in transshipment – cargo carried in intermodal transport cannot be transshipped. In multimodal transport, on the other hand, there is the possibility of transshipment between different cargo units.
How to plan intermodal transportation? Containers and other cargo units
The key issue in planning combined transport is the proper estimation of costs and the selection of the right cargo unit, i.e. one that will enable the goods to be transported to their destination without transshipment. The next step is to work out the details of the transport with the carrier – to make sure that the goods loaded at the starting point will not be affected until they reach their destination. At this point, it is also important to check whether the company carrying out the transport has cargo units with the right parameters (if it is the one providing them).
Important!
Intermodal transport implies the possibility of combining modes of transport in any configuration. Whether we combine only road with rail, or rail with sea and air, we are still talking about intermodal transportation.
How does the combined transport work?
The course of intermodal transport depends on the type of goods transported, the cargo unit chosen and the route. Here is an example of the implementation of transportation:
Example:
The transport departs from Wroclaw, and its destination is Elverum, Norway. The container first goes on a trailer and is transported by road, all the way to the container terminal in Gdansk. There, the cargo is put on a ship bound for Trelleborg, Sweden. After that, the goods are transported by road to make the final leg of the journey by rail.
Why choose intermodal transportation?
Intermodal transportation brings a number of benefits. Here are some of them.
This means that if Mr. Maurice used an overnight stay with a close family member during the business trip (assuming he did not incur expenses for this), he is not entitled to a lump sum for overnight stays. However, if he paid for the overnight stay, he should receive an amount equal to 150% of the national allowance for each night, or PLN 67.50.
Reducing transportation costs
The most obvious one is to reduce transportation costs. A company that wants to transport cargo can choose the type of transportation that is cheaper in the current market situation. Instead of being limited to land transport, which, while popular, can be very expensive, cargo can be transported partly by road, partly by rail and partly by sea, depending on your needs.
No unloading
Another distinguishing feature of intermodal transport is that goods transported in this way are not unloaded at any stage of the journey. This means that once secured and sealed, the cargo container will not be opened en route – it will go directly to the addressee and only there will it be opened. This fact increases safety and reduces the risk of damage to goods. It is obvious that goods passing through fewer hands will be less likely to be damaged. The container’s original security features also make it significantly more difficult to steal the goods.
Greater efficiency
Transportation carried out only by road is subject to considerable constraints, requires employees to go on multi-day trips, generates the need to deal with border controls and additional documentation, and is less predictable. It is on the roads that accidents and other unforeseen events most often cause delays.
Combined transport eliminates some of these risks (it can be planned so that drivers work only within their own country and take much shorter routes) and reduces some. The less time on the road, the less risk of accidents, delays and other problems.
Smaller carbon footprint
It’s not the case, of course, that intermodal transport reduces CO2 emissions to zero, but the difference is still significant – it’s estimated to be in the tens of percent range compared to international road transport (46% lower CO2 emissions for rail transport are indicated by Nijhof Wassink, other sources say up to a 90% difference).
Challenges of intermodal transport
It’s time for a spoonful of tar – after all, intermodal transport is a solution that is not for everyone and involves many difficulties.
Complicated process
It takes a lot of work to organize intermodal transportation – it is necessary to contact multiple carriers and adjust the dates in such a way as to optimize delivery time and hit the expectations of the recipient. An alternative is to use the services of companies that offer to organize combined transport – however, in this case you should expect additional costs.
At least a container
Intermodal transport is designed to carry large cargoes – so companies that want to transport smaller shipments will not be able to use it under normal conditions. Some intermodal transport operators arrange smaller shipments, but this involves additional restrictions depending on the carrier’s conditions.
Legal nuances
If you plan to send a container by intermodal transport, you need to take into account the fact that the laws regarding this type of transport differ depending on which countries the goods will pass through. Before setting out, it is important to carefully study the laws on combined transport that apply in the countries concerned.
Intermodal transport in Poland
For many years, intermodal transportation has enjoyed ever-increasing popularity, the reasons for which we mentioned earlier. Over the years, this branch of transportation has already grown several times (in 2012 it carried 8 million tons of cargo, and in 2021 26.5 million tons). Interestingly, even during the coronavirus pandemic, intermodal shipments grew in strength. The Railway Transport Authority has published data showing that as much as 11.6% more freight was transported in 2021 (cargo weight is the accepted criterion) than in 2020. The number of units also set a record, reaching nearly 1.8 million units (up 6.9% year-on-year).
There is a slight decline in 2022, the most significant reason for which is the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine since February of this year. The weight of cargo transported fell by approx. 1.5%, while their number by approx. 1,6%. The downward trend continues in 2023 as well. – The figures released so far cover the first quarter of this year. and indicate that further – though not spectacular – declines are to be expected on an annual basis. A comparison of Q1 2023 with Q4 2022 shows a decline of 5.5% in the weight of cargo carried and 2% in the number of units.
Despite tougher times for the industry, there is still a lot of potential in intermodal transportation, which, when unleashed, allows businesses to save time, money and make their goods reach their destinations more safely. However, it does not come without effort – to use combined transport, one must first prepare diligently.
