Multimodal Transport

Multimodal transport is the transport of goods using two or more types of transport in safe and optimized way. Check Omida VLS offer.

Multimodal transportation is characterized by the transportation of goods using two or more types of transport modes. By making even better use of transportation potential, we are able to transport cargo from any industry. We perform a wide range of transportation services tailored to industries. There are two types of multimodal transportation: intermodal and combined.

Multimodal transport - definition

Multimodal transport is a system of moving people and goods that uses more than one mode of transport and allows seamless transitions between them. In multimodal transportation, different modes and infrastructure are integrated to provide more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. This means that passengers or goods can be moved through different stages of the journey, using different modes of transportation such as cars, trains, planes, ships or bicycles to reach their final destination.

The main features of multimodal transportation are:

- Integration of different modes of transportation: Multimodal transportation combines different modes of transport to enable the efficient handling of cargo between different types of transport units.

- Route optimization: Multimodal transportation systems can analyze and select the most efficient route or combination of transport modes depending on specific needs relative to the cargo.

- Sustainability: By using different modes of transportation and minimizing negative environmental impacts, multimodal transportation defines a sustainable development policy that talks about improving sustainable mobility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

- Flexibility and accessibility: Multimodal transport aims to provide access to a variety of transportation options, which increases flexibility and convenience relative to choosing the right mode to match the load.

- Cost-effectiveness: By using optimal transportation solutions, multimodal transportation can help reduce costs and increase efficiency within an organization.

Multimodal transportation is becoming increasingly popular in cities and international supply chains, as it helps solve the problems associated with congested roads and the growing demand for mobility.

What is Intermodal Transport?

Intermodal transport mainly refers to the transportation of cargo using means of different modes of transport, but in the same transport unit such as containers, packages or pallets located all the way from the shipper to the consignee. For more information on intermodal transport, see Intermodal Transport, which extensively characterizes this type of transport.

Thanks to intermodal transport , we reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70%. For example, a train between Poznań and Barcelona means 75% savings in carbon dioxide emissions, 90% savings in nitrogen oxide emissions and 80% savings in dust emissions compared to car transport - 500 transports on this route equals about 900 tons less CO2. Read more about how intermodal transport affects the global ecology.

What is Combined Transport?

Combined transport, is transport where a cargo unit is transported between transshipment points by inland waterway, sea or rail for most of its route, and its arrival and departure is carried out by road. All road transportation mostly occurs over short distances.

It is worth mentioning that for customers multimodal transport is a great solution because it is one of the elements of the complex process of transporting cargo from various industries. Importantly - the carriage of cargo in multimodal transport is carried out on the basis of a single contract.

Combined transport, and intermodal transport in particular, plays an important role in the green transformation of the EU, providing sustainable and efficient logistics solutions.

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Advantages of multimodal transport

Multimodal transportation, as one of the many types of transportation, has a number of advantages. The main advantages that characterize multimodal transport are:

the possibility of shipping goods over enormous distances,
speed of carriage associated with full handling and monitoring of cargo along the entire route of carriage,
optimization of the entire logistics process using a single transport unit,
adaptation of the appropriate branch of transport: trucks, rail on land and container ships at sea is a great solution for trade in products that have a relatively short shelf life,
multimodal transport can be a good choice in terms of price (especially when one of the modes of transport is sea freight forwarding).

Road transport as one of the elements of multimodal transportation

Road transport is one of the key elements of multimodal transportation and plays an important role in moving people and goods within the system. Here's a look at how road transportation interacts as a component of multimodal transportation:

- Last delivery leg: Road transportation is often used as the last leg in the supply chain, delivering goods directly to destinations such as stores, warehouses or locations designated by customers. - Integration with other modes of transportation: With its network of roads and highways, road transport can easily correlate with other modes of transportation, such as trains, ships and cargo planes. - Expanded logistics system: Road transportation is often used in conjunction with other forms of transportation to optimize the supply chain. Vans and trucks are often used to transport cargo from warehouses or distribution centers to rail terminals, ports or airports. - Accessibility and customization: road transportation is extremely accessible and flexible, which means it can be adapted to different types of cargo and transportation needs. When organizing road transportation, the size and type of vehicles can be tailored to a specific load, which is more difficult with other modes of transportation. - Regional and local transport: road transport is a key means of transportation at the regional and local level, enabling the delivery of cargo within small communities, villages, but also urban areas and conurbations. Road transport reaches where other modes of transportation may be difficult to access.

Road transport plays a key role in providing access to various forms of multimodal transportation and in moving cargo efficiently. Interacting with other modes of transport, it optimizes the supply chain, increases efficiency and minimizes logistics costs.

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Examples of multimodal transportation applications

Multimodal transportation is a transportation system in which different modes and infrastructure are combined to move people and goods efficiently. Here are some examples of multimodal transportation:

Airport with access to a rail terminal: Airports often have extensive rail connections that allow cargo to be transported by train directly to and from the airport. This uses freight trains that are adapted to transport a specific type of cargo.
Intermodal container terminals: In seaports and inland waterways, you can find terminals where containers are moved from one mode of transport to another, such as from a container ship to a train or truck. Ports that perform this type of operation include the Port of Gdynia and the Port of Gdansk.
Multimodal transportation in relation to public transportation: Public transportation systems in large cities often combine different modes of transportation, such as buses, streetcars, subways and regional trains, allowing passengers to access an extensive network of connections.
Combination of rail and truck transportation: In some cases, cargo can be transported by rail to the main terminal, then unloaded and transferred onward, directly to the destination.
Sea-land container transport: Containers with cargo are first transported by sea and then loaded onto trucks or trains for delivery to the customer.
International cargo transportation: International supply chains often use various modes of transportation such as air, sea, rail and road to deliver cargo between countries.