There is no one-size solution in the shipment process that fits everyone. Choosing the right service will depend on the type, size, weight, your urgency, distance, nature of the cargo, and your budget.
Sometimes you might be shipping long distance, which includes passing through both land and water. So here you need a rail terminal, and also you need a cargo ship in the port. This is where intermodal and multimodal transportation come into the picture.
Both of these include using more than one mode of transportation, but have significant differences in many ways. In this article, we will discuss both transportation modes.
Intermodal and Multimodal Freight
Intermodal transport is the conveyance of goods from their origin to their destination by more than one transportation method, each of which is operated by a separate carrier under separate contracts. A different shipping company deals with each part of the trip. This means the shipper must manage different contracts, one for each transport company involved in the shipment’s various legs. It may be possible to work out the best possible door-to-door shipping price by combining the services of many different transport companies.
A multimodal freight model is also similar to the intermodal freight method. This also involves different modes of shipment. But here the difference is that you need not involve yourself in different levels, but it is managed by a single logistics service provider. The single logistics provider will take care of the complete process smoothly; this includes scheduling, tracking, and payment for the full shipment. But here you cannot negotiate the prices.
Key Differences:
The table below presents the main differences between intermodal and multimodal freight.
| Feature | Intermodal | Multimodal |
| Control | Greater control over carriers, timing, and routes | Less control over carriers and schedules |
| Time Efficiency | More time-consuming due to managing multiple carriers | Proper process with a single provider |
| Cost | More options to negotiate the prices | Only a very less options to negotiate pricing |
| Environmental Efficiency | Can choose the eco-friendly options like trains | No control to choose the sustainable options |
| Handling | Less handling, as goods often remain in the same container | More handling, as goods may be repacked between modes |
| Nonstandard Goods | Less flexibility with oversized or specialized goods | More flexible for oversized or specialized cargo |
Choosing the type of transportation completely depends on your needs. So plan it accordingly and ask for help from the logistics provider whenever needed.
