Multimodal transport

In today's world, multimodal transport is a basic element for moving goods from one place to another using different vehicles so that, the merchandise reaches its destination quickly and safely with a single transport contract.  

Related topics

Airplane, ship, truck, intermodal transport, rail transport

What is multimodal transport?

Multimodal transport is the coordination of different modes of transport used to move materials or goods from one side to the other, through a transport contract.

Multimodal transport can be domestic or for companies wishing to move their goods or materials.

In global framework, multimodal transport can be intermodal, where different types of vehicles will be used to transport the load, or combined transport that will use the same chain of vehicles to move the load.

History of the multimodal transport

Multimodal transport concept is not really new. As early as the 17th century, a well-known French writer described how his horse-drawn carriage was placed on a boat and lowered into the Rhone River for 400 kilometers to avoid the rough roads of the roads of that time. However, modern multimodal transport was born with railways.

Characteristics of multimodal transport

Among the most common characteristics of multimodal transport we can mention the following:

• Two or more types of transport are used to transport a load.
• The transfer can be at national or international level.
• It is possible to use maritime, air or land transport vehicles combined or of the same type.
• You can move materials or goods using a single contract.
• Distances can be long or short.
• Cargo tracking through satellite systems.

Types of multimodal transport

Among the most used types of multimodal transports we can mention:

• Short sea shipping: This type of multimodal transport occurs because large cargo ships cannot receive goods in all small ports. In this sense, it is necessary that the goods are transported in cargo minibuses so that, they can arrive from an oceanic port to a small port. This type of ship is called a sheep feeder or “feeder”. In this type of transport, multi-modality includes the transfer of mini-ships to large ships.
• Land transport (road/rail): This class includes the transfer of cargo between two types of transport, in this case road transport to reach warehouses or distribution centers, and rail for transport over long distances faster and without the obstacles of land traffic.

Importance

Multimodal transport implies that, for goods to be transported, it is necessary to use different means of transport in order to reach their final destination, which is previously established by contract. This being the case, the execution of the same shipment may require different transport modes such as, for example, ship, vehicle or train and all this through a single contract.

This possibility makes the whole process simpler on a commercial level, without having to involve intermediaries. This is where the importance of multimodal transport largely lies.

Another important aspect of multimodal transport is that its means of transport can be adapted to short or long distances depending on the type of cargo and its destination. In this sense, there are large or small transports that can be used in a multimodal transport so that, the merchandise can leave or arrive at its destination combining land cargo vehicles by road to take the merchandise from the warehouse to the port, or railway terminal and other larger ones such as ships or railroads that can transport more cargo over long distances.

Advantages of the multimodal transport

The advantages of multimodal transport include the following:

• Reduction of cargo handling times.
• Reduction of costs per vehicle.
• Decrease in customs controls.
• Only one contract is made.
• Tracking cargo through satellite systems.
• Low rates of theft or damage to the cargo that favor the costs of insurance premiums abroad.

Disadvantages

Among the disadvantages of this service, the following can be identified:

• Some countries do not have adequate infrastructure for multimodal transport development.
• There may be drawbacks between the change of transport due to lack of coordination among transporters and this may delay shipment.
• There is no international regulation ratified by all countries, and this can produce legal conflicts at the moment of moving the merchandise in international spaces.

Examples

An example of multimodal transport can be maritime transport of goods. Since a cargo ship cannot enter small ports because of its size to receive the goods. Then, it proceeds to make use of rail or road transport to cargo ports that have their own rail terminal. This is done through a single contract which will include rail or road transport plus ship transport and transfers of goods from one transport to another.