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The main differences and advantages of unimodal, multimodal and intermodal transport
Published: 18.05.2020
When organizing the shipment of goods, you can choose one of several available routes and modes of transport. The best service can be judged according to total costs, duration of transportation, logistic efforts or environmental impact. In addition, you can use one mode of transport or combine different modes of transport for the same route, which can be especially useful for transportation over long distances. What are the main differences and advantages of choosing unimodal, multimodal or intermodal transportation of goods?

To properly compare different modes of transport, it is important to first understand the meaning of each of these terms. When transporting goods in a unimodal way, products are delivered by one mode of transport, mainly by road, since it is most effective for door-to-door delivery.

To get the most efficient transportation, you can combine two or more modes of transport, such as road, rail, sea and air transport. Combined transport can be divided into two categories: multimodal and intermodal. They can be used not only for delivery over long distances, but also in cases where the client has a limited delivery time or needs a delivery that requires special processing.

What is the difference between intermodal and multimodal transport?

The main difference between intermodal and multimodal transport is the type of contract and the volume of logistic administration. If intermodal delivery is used, each segment of the transportation must be organized individually with different carriers, each of which has its own contract. Intermodal transport requires more logistics effort, but allows the sender to negotiate terms with each logistics provider.

If the company chooses a multimodal mode of transport, all transportation will be carried out under one contract with only one logistics service provider. This means that the same logistics provider is responsible for all transport, even if they transfer some segments to sub-carriers, called “actual carriers”. This type of transport requires less logistic coordination, because all transport is organized by one company.

We offer delivery using multimodal transportation for companies and private users.