Multimodal Transport What is Multimodal transport Multimodal transport

Multimodal Transport

What is Multimodal transport? Multimodal transport is the articulation between different modes of transport, in order to more rapidly and effectively transfer operations of materials and goods Multimodal transport is that in which it is necessary to use more than one type of vehicle to transport the goods from his place of origin to their final destination, but mediating a single contract of carriage.

Combined freight transport can be organized in different ways. In general, trucks cover short distances between the loading area and the transshipment point respectively between the place of arrival and the recipient. Long-distance haulage is conducted by other means of transport such as train, ship or even plane.

"multimodal transport operator" (MTO) "Multimodal transport operator' means any person who on his own behalf or through another person acting on his behalf concludes a multimodal transport contract and who assumes responsibility for the performance of the contract. "

The main features of a multimodal transport are The carriage of goods by two or more modes of transport, under one contract One document and one responsible party (MTO) for the entire carriage who might subcontract the performance of some The terms "combined transport" and "intermodal transport" are often used to describe the carriage of goods by two or more modes of transport.

Therefore, in case of damage or loss, each company will only bear responsibility for only its own stage in line with the rules applicable to the transport contract.

The merits of multimodal transportation Minimizes time loss at trans-shipment points Provides faster transit of goods The faster transit of goods Reduces burden of documentation and formalities Saves cost The savings in costs Reduces cost of exports The inherent advantages of multimodal transport system will help to reduce the cost of exports and improve their competitive position in the international market.

Origin Multimodal transport was developed in connection with the "container revolution" of the 1960 s and 70 s. The emergence of the container technology and of the multimodal transport concept came from and facilitated growing international trade. Trade and transport are inextricably linked: efficient transport services are a prerequisite to successful trading.

Combined container transport Regarding combined container transport, standardized loading units are transshipped along different means of transport. In doing so, various combinations of land, water, and air transportation are applied in practice.

Rolling road The rolling road usually describes carriage of whole trucks – including both tractor and trailer – on low floor trains. In this regard, the second alternative that contributes to additional cost savings is forwarding of trailers without the tractor as it reduces transport weight and labor costs. However, this option requires a second tractor at the place of arrival.

Roll-on roll-off traffic means the carriage of freight vehicles on ships over a certain distance. A rarely applied option is LASH-transportation. In the course of this, an inland water vessel, commonly known as LASH barge, is carried by the barge carrier – a seagoing vessel. Trailer shipment (rail transport of trailers) refers to a combination of rail and road haulage.

The introduced multimodal modes of transport basically combine the flexibility of trucks with economies of scale of such means of transport that are destined for long-distance forwarding. However, additional handling processes are cost and time consuming. The benefits of utilizing different means of transport ideally outweigh or even exceed the expenses. This mainly depends on the distance to be covered, the efficiency of transshipment points and the goods to be conveyed.