Intermodal transport is the transportation of goods in special containers or vehicles. If there is a need to change the types of funds when moving the goods, then it is not processed. This allows you to increase safety and reduce losses and losses, as well as significantly reduce the time spent on transportation.
Intermodal transport can reduce the cost of moving goods on inland routes. In addition, their advantage is the ability to use transport over short distances.
Intermodal and multimodal transport - what is the difference?
In multimodal transportation, goods are transported by various modes of transport and several carriers. In this case, it is necessary to prepare several sets of accompanying documentation. Almost all of today's transportation between continents is multimodal.
Intermodal transportation involves the movement of goods using several types of vehicles, but the responsibility for the cargo lies with one company and one transaction contract is drawn up.
Historical information
For the first time, intermodal transport became known in the 18th century, even before the first railways were built. In 1780, the fact of transporting coal in containers to the UK was documented. The first closed containers were invented in the 20th century. As a rule, they were used for transportation of furniture and used for transportation by cars and by rail.
The first standards for container manufacturing were adopted in the 1920s. They were 1.5 or 3 meters in size. That is, by modern standards, they were very small. For their manufacture mainly wood was used, and they had a curved roof. During the Second World War, pallets became widely used in the USA for the first time, that is, it became possible to quickly move goods between warehouses, cars, ships and so on. This allowed to significantly reduce labor costs in the intermediate processing of goods and, therefore, reduce the number of personnel.
Cargo handling
Intermodal transport requires the construction of specialized lifting equipment to move containers between used vehicles. If the cargo is transported using sea lines, the construction of a whole infrastructure for its servicing is required: loading and unloading mechanisms, deep-sea ports.
Intermodal transport within the continent is mainly carried out by road or rail. In some countries, containers for trucks are loaded in two tiers, which reduces transportation costs.
In intermodal transport, a term such as “land bridge” is used if most of the route lies along the territory within the continent and runs between sea sections. On this site, rail is mainly used.