Intermodal transport
What is intermodal freight transport?
Intermodal freight transport leverages the strengths of various transportation methods—rail, road, and sea—to move goods efficiently from origin to destination. Unlike traditional shipping, intermodal solutions minimize handling, reduce transit times, and improve overall reliability by utilizing standardized containers that transfer seamlessly across different modes of transportation.
Intermodal transport solutions are suitable for most types of cargo and shipments. Special designed solutions is set up according to the requirements from the customer.
An intermodal transport solution is managed by one operator, that controls all the different transport legs.
Our intermodal logistics solutions
In the fast-paced world of global trade, efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions are crucial for businesses. At ColliCare, we provide cutting-edge intermodal freight services that seamlessly link Asia and Europe, combining multiple modes of transport to optimize your supply chain.
Intermodal transport in Europe
We use rail and sea as much as possible in Europe to avoid costly and environmentally harmful road freight. International shipments within Europe can be transported by rail from the south via distribution centres in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, and then by sea to the north. If necessary, we also use road transport.
Where possible, trains are used to the nearest unloading terminal. Alternatively, containers or huckepack trailers are placed on a ship and transported to ports in the Nordics, Poland, the Baltics, and the UK. Last mile is normally executed with road transport.
Intermodal freight solutions from Asia to Europe
As global trade continues to thrive, efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions are vital for connecting Asia and Europe—two of the world’s largest trading regions. Our intermodal freight solutions offer an innovative and reliable approach to transporting goods across these continents by seamlessly combining multiple modes of transport, such as rail, road, and sea.
Advantages when using intermodal transport
Lower cost than road transport is the key benefit for inter-continental use. Having the flexibility to choose between the most cost effective modes of transportation makes this transport for more cost effective.
Intermodal transport solutions are not so sensitive to high weight, and can carry more than traditional road transport.
By keeping the cargo in its container, intermodal shipping reduces the need for unloading and reloading at each transfer point. This saves time, labor, and minimizes the risk of damage or loss. Containers/huckepacks are transferred from one mode of transport to the other by specialized container handling equipment.
The container or huckepack unit is safely locked and sealed at loadingplace. It is not opened before it reaches the final destination. The risk of theft or someone tampering with the goods is very low.
The correct combination of transport modes like ship, rail and road, will give a lower CO2 emission and will save the environment.
Intermodal freight FAQ’s
Is it time, it is possible to use airfreight for part of the transportation, and other parts rail where this is the quickest solution. Truck is flexible and in some cases most efficient.
If low footprint is important, rail and sea transportation will be the best, even though it might take a little longer.
The following means of transport are used in multimodal transport:
- Road: Used for short-haul and last-mile delivery.
- Rail: Best for long distances and heavy goods on land.
- Sea: Ideal for long-distance international shipments.
Intermodal: Cargo in the Same Unit Throughout the Entire Journey
A transport solution where goods are transported using several different modes of transport (e.g., ship, train, truck), but the cargo (usually a container or another unit) is not handled when switching modes of transport.
The cargo remains in the same unit (such as a container) throughout the entire transport process, regardless of how many times the mode of transport changes.
Multimodal: Involves Multiple Modes of Transport Under One Contract
A transport solution where goods are transported using multiple modes of transport (e.g., train, ship, airplane), and the transport is carried out under a single contract or transport document.
There is one responsible party for the entire transport chain, even though multiple modes of transport are used.
The difference between the two:
Multimodal transport does not necessarily need to use a single unit (such as a container) for the entire journey. The cargo can be repacked between modes of transport, but there is still one contract and one responsible carrier.
Intermodal shipping can handle both large and small shipments, ranging from a single 20-foot or 40-foot container to shipments consisting of multiple containers or trailers. Shipments can be booked as LCL
Huckepack : Intermodal trailers for rail and road, suitable for secure long-haul transport. Used for the safe transportation of general and steel cargo. It features a sliding roof, aluminum-reinforced side curtains, solid rear doors, and stanchion post restrain. Easily moved from one transport mode to another by lifting with special cranes.
Container: regular 20 and 40 foot containers, can be used both on trains fitted for containers, container ships and trucks equipped to carry containers. Suitable for long-haul transport. Solid doors, no open top. Easily moved from one transport mode to another by lifting with special cranes.
By reducing reliance on trucks for long distances and using energy-efficient modes like rail or sea, intermodal transport significantly cuts fuel consumption and emissions. It also reduces traffic congestion on roads.
Looking for international intermodal transport? Contact us.
Let us connect your business to the world with seamless, efficient, and reliable intermodal freight solutions. Contact our team today to discuss your logistics requirements and discover how we can streamline your supply chain.
