What is multimodal transportation: definition, benefits and difference between intermodal transport

Multimodal transportation(MT) refers to a robust transport operation comprising various modes of transport to move commodities. This transportation approach focuses on maximizing the strengths of different movement modes and reducing challenges.

Although it involves diverse modes, it is organized by a single operator. That means you’ll receive one bill of lading for using road transportation, railway, and air or ocean freight!

Research shows that over 2.64 billion people shop online, and up to 57% of buyers pay via International credit cards. As e-commerce and cross-border selling increase, so does the need for shipping companies.

Most retailer brands now seek multimodal transportation solutions to deliver products worldwide. Users can build their goods’ transportation journey by contacting a robust provider.

It allows you to reduce time loss and increases efficiency. Typically, different transit modes offer varying times based on their capabilities and available routes.

However, a provider will create the fastest route by utilizing appropriate transportation modes. It also ensures you don’t have to stress about the unavailability of space or vehicles.

Clear communication and coordination are critical factors for streamlining the multimodal transportation strategy.

But the good news is that multimodal transportation involves fewer friction points and one primary carrier. So a single contractor will handle the transit and collection of goods and related documents.

That means no back-and-forth sending emails or day-long phone calls. If you face a problem, you can discuss it with your primary contractor, and they’ll take care of the rest!

There’s nothing worse than filing hundreds of documents to discover that you missed one. Luckily, MT takes the burden of documentation off your shoulders.

To ensure minimal issues, your contractor will help you issue the relevant certificates, forms, and other formalities.

Freight driving and shipping mandates, such as the ELD, restrict the time a shipper can move goods. The rule applies to road transportation: Full Truckload (FTL) and Less-than-Truckload (LTL).

However, in MT, there are no availability issues. It results in faster transits and improved efficiency.

A single multimodal carrier means no time, cost, or logistical issues. You can rest assured your contract will coordinate with the subcontractors. So, the only thing you must do is talk to your contractor.

Your customer’s satisfaction depends on the on-time delivery of products.

To ensure this, supply chain efficiency and logistics management are crucial.

Although most people confuse “multimodal” with “intermodal,” the two terms are pretty distinct in numerous ways. For starters, intermodal shipping involves multiple companies and contractors.

So, in this transportation mode, you have to create different invoices and reports at every step and new contractor. On the contrary, multimodal entails a single contractor and bill of lading. Therefore, the primary carrier hires and handles subcontractors.

Moreover, intermodal transport incurs comparatively lower costs. However the negotiation and logistics require significant time. Conversely, multimodal offers safer, time-efficient, and cost-effective transportation.

Lastly, MT eliminates the headaches of keeping up-to-date with subcontractors, varying availabilities, and inconsistent efficiency. Instead, you can enjoy on-time and productive deliveries alongside sophisticated and accurate tracking.

Multimodal transportation is an excellent option for businesses seeking optimized International shipping and increased efficiency. Go beyond customer satisfaction and grow sales with Atlantic Project Cargo!

With our certified multimodal carriers, you can unlock the best combination of road, railway, air freight, and ocean freight! We empower you to meet tight deadlines and transport breakbulk/bulk orders with optimized cost-effective services.