What is intermodal transport?

What is intermodal transport?

Intermodal transport is a form of freight transport that is based on the use of at least two different means of transport, such as a truck, train, ship or plane, while maintaining one loading unit along the entire route.

One of the most important principles of intermodal transport is that the cargo – most often placed in a container – is not reloaded when the means of transport is changed. This means that from the moment the cargo is shipped to the destination, it remains in the same unit, which minimizes the risk of damage and speeds up the transport process.

European rules

According to this document “Terminology on combined transport” created on the initiative of the European Confederation of Ministers of Transport, intermodal transport must meet several conditions:

• Use more than one means of transport.
• One loading unit on the entire route.
• One transport contract and one transport document.
• One company responsible for all transport.
• Unitization of the load.

What is intermodal transport in practice?

The key to intermodal transport is using reloading terminals, which enable quick and efficient transfer of containers or other cargo units from one means of transport to another. They are strategically located near ports, railway stations and main transport routes, which facilitates the optimization of transport time and costs. At least in theory.

In practice, intermodal transport follows these steps:

• Send goods – the goods are packed in a loading unit at the place of shipment.
• Road transport – the container is most often transported by truck to the nearest transhipment terminal.
• Reload at the terminal – placing the cargo unit on a new means of transport.
• Main transport – covers the longer part of the route, where transport is most often carried out by rail, sea or air.
• Pickup at the destination terminal – the container is transferred to a truck that transports it to the final destination.
• Delivery of the goods to the recipient.

Means of transport used in intermodal transport

• Road transport – used mainly on short distances to deliver and collect goods from terminals.
• Rail transport – characterized by high load capacity and low operating costs.
• Sea transport – the most cost-effective means of transport in global logistics, especially in intercontinental transport.
• Air transport – mainly used for goods that are high value or require quick delivery.

Examples

• National road and rail transport (e.g. Poland)
• International rail and sea transport (e.g. China – Europe)
• Sea and road intercontinental transport (e.g. USA – Europe)
• Continental rail and road transport (e.g. Spain – Poland)
• Road and air transport of special goods (e.g. Europe – Asia)

Advantages of intermodal transport

• Long routes are cost-effective.

On long routes, intermodal transport is cheaper than road transport. Using rail and sea transport allows you to reduce fuel costs and road tolls.

• Reduction of CO2 emissions.

Compared to road transport, intermodal transport, especially rail and sea, significantly reduces the emission of harmful substances, including carbon dioxide. This corresponds to the principles of sustainable development policy.

• Greater load capacity.

Intermodal transport allows more goods to be transported in one unit, especially in rail and sea transport.

• Cargo safety.

A fixed loading unit reduces the risk of goods being damaged, stolen or tampered with.

• Price stability

Unlike road transport, intermodal transport prices are less susceptible to seasonal fluctuations, which provides greater stability and predictability of transport costs.

Drawbacks and challenges

Every coin has two sides. In the case of intermodal transport, the greatest challenge and problem to be solved is infrastructure. One could say it is a classic clash of theory and practice, expectations and reality. Throughout Europe, and especially in Poland, there are not enough intermodal terminals. Unfortunately, this leads to longer transport times and reduced flexibility.

We also cannot forget about the domino effect – any delays in the transport chain may be compounded by the need to coordinate various forms of transport.

Intermodal transport in Poland

The use of this form of transport depends largely on the number of transhipment terminals and their location. Before 2022, there was a significant increase in the number of loads transported using intermodal transport in our country. Especially between the countries of Western and Eastern Europe and between Scandinavia and the south of the continent.

Poland’s main advantage in this respect is access to the Baltic Sea and a well-developed network of seaports, such as Gdynia, Gdańsk and Szczecin. These ports handle large volumes of containers transported both by sea and by rail. Within the country, railway and road infrastructure enables relatively efficient transport of goods. Although the quality of the railway infrastructure and the current situation of PKP Cargo still leave much to be desired.

An example of a Polish company that works in this sector is our own mother company, Adampol S.A.

Summary: efficient and environmentally-friendly transport

Intermodal transport is an efficient way of transporting goods that combines various means of transport while maintaining one loading unit. It enables cost optimization, the reduction of CO2 emissions and greater cargo safety. Poland, thanks to its strategic location, may play a very important role in this form of transport in the future.