Both intermodal and multimodal relate to using different modes of transport for a shipment, but there are some key differences between each of them.
Intermodal transportation involves utilizing various modes of transport during a single journey to transport goods. The cargo is transferred between modes of transportation, like trucks, trains, ships, or planes, using standardized containers or trailers. Intermodal transportation is commonly used for long-distance freight movements, offering flexibility, reliability, and sustainability in supply chain operations.
Multimodal transportation uses two or more modes of transportation under a single contract, with one carrier overseeing the entire journey. This approach integrates various modes such as road, rail, air, and sea transport. It offers a seamless and coordinated logistics solution, allowing shippers to leverage the strengths of different transport modes while mitigating their limitations.
The easiest way to differentiate between multimodal and intermodal is by the contract. With intermodal transportation, a separate contract is required for each leg of the journey. This could mean that for one shipment, a shipper must manage at least 2 and typically many more contracts. For multimodal transportation, a single contract can cover all the legs of the journey.
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