Intermodal or Multimodal? What’s the difference.

When discussing the transportation of goods, there are two commonly used terms to describe the method of moving them: Intermodal and Multimodal. Both intermodal and multimodal transportation involve the movement of cargo from its origin to its destination using multiple modes of transport. These modes can include trucks, trains, barges, ships, or any combination thereof. In both cases, it is also possible for multiple carriers to handle different segments of the journey. However, the key difference lies in the contractual arrangements.

In multimodal transportation, a single contract covers the entire journey. One carrier assumes full responsibility and ensures that door-to-door delivery is successfully completed, even if other carriers are utilized along the way.

In intermodal transportation, there is a separate contract for each individual segment of the journey. This means that there are multiple entities responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of the cargo.

Multimodal Shipping

The term "multimodal" refers to the transportation of goods from one place to another using multiple modes of transportation. However, in this particular case, each mode is managed either by a single carrier or multiple carriers but under a single contract or Bill of Lading. This means that there is only one carrier responsible for transporting the shipment throughout all stages and modes of transportation.

The distinction between multimodal and intermodal lies in the contractual agreement and the responsibility/liability of the transport carrier for the movement of goods.

Intermodal Shipping

Intermodal shipping involves transporting cargo from its origin to its destination using multiple modes of transportation. Each mode of transportation is managed by a different carrier, and each leg of the journey requires a separate contractual agreement. This means that for a single shipment, there may be multiple carriers involved, with each carrier responsible for handling a specific part of the transportation process.

For instance, let's consider a scenario where you need to transport a large quantity of cargo to another location. The starting point and end destination are both inland and situated on different continents. In this case, your cargo may need to be transported by truck to a rail yard, then by rail to the shipping port, and finally by vessel to the overseas port. Subsequently, it will be transported by rail from the shipyard to another rail yard, and ultimately by truck from the rail yard to its final destination.

When utilizing intermodal shipping, each segment of the shipment will be handled by a distinct company. As such, you will have separate contracts with each carrier to manage their specific portion of the transportation process.

Curtainsider trailer suitable for multimodal transport

For multimodal transport of semi-trailers, there are two options available: accompanied and unaccompanied transport. In the accompanied transport option, the entire truck, including its driver, is transported. This can be done using methods such as transporting the truck by water. On the other hand, unaccompanied transport refers to only transporting the trailer itself. To secure loads and facilitate intermodal purposes, a curtainsider trailer like RolaModal (EN 12641-2 Code XL) or XLS (superlative of Code XL) can be used. These trailers are equipped with 2 yellow DB plates per side, which are required for intermodal transport.

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