In modern business, speed and efficiency of delivery are crucial. It is multimodal transportation that helps companies optimize logistics, reduce costs and ensure stable international deliveries.
What is multimodal transportation and how does it work
Multimodal transportation of goods is the delivery of goods by two or more modes of transport under one contract. Thus, only one logistics company is responsible for the entire route. The client only needs to cooperate with it, and not with each carrier separately.
Main modes of transport in multimodal transportation
Combined transportation provides the highest speed of cargo delivery, as it combines several modes of transport at once – road, sea, rail, air.
The most popular combinations – multimodal transport and logistics
| Combination | Characteristics |
| road + sea | the most common international scheme, especially between Europe and Asia, suitable for container transportation |
| road + rail | one of the most important schemes in Europe, preferred in the EU due to its environmental friendliness and reduced congestion |
| sea + rail | a key method for global and container logistics |
| road + air | ideal for urgent deliveries and expensive goods |
| road + sea + rail | a modern multimodal model |
| road + sea + air | a compromise between speed and price |
Advantages of multimodal transportation for business
What significant advantages do multimodal transportation provide:
- reduction in logistics costs;
- simplification of registration (since only one contract is concluded);
- one person responsible for the entire route;
- an effective way to solve complex logistical tasks;
- less risks due to control and security;
- wide geography and flexibility of delivery;
- simplified and accelerated customs control.
Large companies in Europe are increasingly switching from classic road transport to multimodal transport. And for Ukrainian businesses, international combined cargo transportation is becoming an admission to international markets.
When to use multimodal transportation
For whom and when are multimodal cargo transportation services especially suitable:
- small and medium-sized businesses;
- enterprises operating globally;
- online stores, distributors;
- retail chains, manufacturers;
- businesses that want to outsource logistics;
- for long routes;
- for savings.
Multimodal transportation is the most effective way to transport dangerous (ADR, IMO) and valuable cargo. The entire route is controlled by one responsible operator who provides a reliable security system.
In addition, multimodality is ideal for urgent shipments, as it allows you to avoid unnecessary delays: all transport documents are issued on a single consignment note.
Multimodal transport and logistics: how to choose the optimal scheme
When choosing a multimodal combination, it is important to find a balance between speed, price and reliability. After all, you need to not just deliver the cargo, but find the most profitable way for a particular business.
What factors are used to choose a multimodal cargo transportation scheme:
- weight and volume – affect transport and container selection;
- cost of goods – level of insurance;
- shelf life – speed of delivery;
- budget;
- geography of transportation.
In general, an experienced logistician will offer the optimal scheme much faster and easier. After all, he will not just “provide transport”, but will create an individual logistics solution. It includes route design, selection of transport for the cargo, customs procedures and control of all stages of cargo movement.
Only a professional logistics operator can clearly calculate the full cost of delivery, because it is formed from many factors: freight, fuel, customs duties, warehousing, insurance, etc.
Freight transportation services: what is included and how to choose a contractor
A contractor who performs freight transportation services is usually called a multimodal operator. A business concludes a contract with him, under which he takes on the entire organization of delivery.
What is most often included in multimodal freight transportation services:
- selection of transport;
- coordination of cargo movement;
- reloading and warehouse operations;
- insurance;
- documentary and customs clearance;
- door-to-door delivery.
Thus, the client receives a turnkey service and can not be distracted by organizational aspects, focusing on important internal tasks.
Conclusion
If you carry out multimodal transportation yourself, it is unlikely that you will be able to foresee all the risks and immediately calculate the full cost. Therefore, it is better to immediately contact transport and logistics companies that will provide predicted delivery times and budgets.
