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When you need to ship goods, there are many ways to move them: by truck, train, ship or plane. Yet, often one way is not enough. Your goods might start on a ship, then move by truck, and even by plane. When several different transportation methods come in handy, shippers call it intermodal or multimodal transport. Let’s break down what these mean.
What’s the Difference Between Intermodal and Multimodal Transport?
In fact, these two terms are very similar, which can often be very confusing. They both mean the use of two or more types of transportation for one shipment. However, they work very differently.
Intermodal transport
Each part of the route is handled by a different company. For example, you deal with a reliable carrier for Mid Atlantic dry van shipping and partner with another company for sea transportation. This also means you’ll get separate contracts and bills for each part of the way.
Multimodal transport
In this case, one company transports your goods from point A to point B. They can choose a different type of transportation, like a plane, a ship or a trailer. Yet, you get only one contract and one bill.
Multimodal shipping is how containers get from their origin to the store
What Is Intermodal Transport?
When it comes to intermodal shipping, goods are placed into a secure, often sealed container. This container is not opened during the whole journey, so the goods inside stay untouched. Such a technique helps to keep the items maximally safe and protected.
Intermodal transportation can be a proper option for those whose priority is cutting transportation costs. Such a shipment is cheaper. Yet, it’s also more complex and needs more time to be organized and managed properly.
What Is Multimodal Transport?
For an outsider, multimodal transportation looks the same. The principle is very similar: goods are carried by several types of transport, for example, trucks, trains, ships or planes. However, there’s one huge difference. The entire process is managed by one partner.
You also have one bill, one contract, and need less time to negotiate the delivery details. Such transportation is way easier to manage. It saves time, reduces stress, and makes the delivery faster.
Why Choose Multimodal Transport?
If you ship goods on a regular basis, multimodal transportation is an ideal choice. Here are some big advantages:
Saved Time
When you deal with the same company during all stages of delivery, your shipment goes faster and smoother. You don’t need to discuss the terms of delivery every time the transport is switched. You also pay once. This means less waiting and less paperwork.
Reasonable Pricing
While dealing with separate carriers often looks like a cheaper option, it’s not always helpful in increasing your profit. Paying a slightly higher price, you get reduced risks, a more controlled process and faster transportation, which reduces spoilage and increases clients’ satisfaction.
Less Stress and Easier Communication
When you deal with one carrier during the whole route, your communication gets clearer. It also helps to avoid misunderstandings and disputes that often happen when you are trying to coordinate two different transport companies.
Faster Shipping Options
When one company oversees everything, shipping stages are better managed and controlled. It means less idling and waiting time.
Summary
The situation when your goods need several transport options to get to the destination securely is quite common. Most businesses have to choose between dealing with several carriers (Intermodal Transportation) or signing a contract with a company that handles different types of transportation (Multimodal Shipping). While both variants have their benefits, multimodal delivery helps companies deliver on time and save operational time. So, whether your shipment travels by air, rail or water, multimodal transport offers a smooth solution.
The post Multimodal Transport: What is Multimodal Shipping? first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
