What Is Multimodal Transport?: Features, Advantages & Challenges

The business landscape of today has become crowded and competitive, so in order to stay ahead businesses must adopt efficient logistics and supply chain management. Businesses are often looking for ways to improve their supply chain by making it more cost-effective and reliable. One of the ways they can achieve this is by using multimodal transport solutions.

Let’s dive into multimodal transport, what it is, the advantages and disadvantages and how it can help improve supply chains and logistics.

What does multimodal transport mean?

Multimodal transportation is the process of transporting goods internationally by at least two or more modes of transport, all under one carrier or freight forwarder. When a shipper opts to transport goods via multimodal means, it is all handled under a single-contract.

This means that the carrier or freight forwarder handles all of the logistics, coordination and transfers of the cargo between different transport modes. For instance, goods may be transported by sea, rail and road all in one shipment.

What are the modes of multimodal transport?

The effectiveness of multimodal transport relies on the ability to seamlessly and efficiently coordinate various transport modes. Below are the primary modes that are typically used in multimodal transport to move goods internationally.

Road Freight

Road freight plays an important role in multimodal transport. It is often the starting point or end point of a shipment and the likelihood is that all multimodal shipments will use road freight at some point.

Road freight is highly accessible and flexible thanks to the vast networks of motorways and roads across continents. Trucks are able to navigate even the most rural of areas, allowing goods to be delivered directly to doorsteps.

Rail Freight

Rail freight is another commonly used method in multimodal transport as it is designed to move bulky cargo across vast distances efficiently and quickly. Additionally it offers a more sustainable option compared to other freight transport methods.

Rail freight networks are often well-integrated with ports and terminals, making it seamless to transition goods between sea, road and air freight.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is the preferred transport option for carrying large, bulky cargo from one continent to another. Shipping by sea may be slow paced but it is also one of the cost-effective transport methods.

Sea ports act as gateways to highways and rail networks to seamlessly connect maritime transport with inland logistics.

Air Freight

Air freight is known for being a fast, reliable and efficient transport method. It is best used for shipping time-sensitive deliveries such as food, medicines and flowers.

Thanks to a network of airports worldwide, deliveries can be made to destinations globally, even in remote locations when combined with road freight.

What is the difference between intermodal and multimodal transport?

When it comes to transporting goods, understanding the difference between intermodal and multimodal transport is crucial for efficient logistics management. Both involve the coordination of multiple types of transportation however intermodal transport requires using multiple carriers and separate contracts for each segment of the journey.

During intermodal transport, carriers will handle their part of the transportation process but will not transfer cargo from one container to another. This method can often be cheaper but negotiations can be longer and require more time and effort. For businesses that have a busy supply chain and logistics operation, this can add a large chunk of work to an already bustling workload.

What are the benefits of multimodal transport?

Choosing to ship goods via multimodal transport can come with a host of benefits
including:

● Dealing with only one contractor/freight forwarder rather than many different companies. Doing so makes communication much more clear and seamless, providing a less complicated logistics operation. When dealing with multiple contractors, this could decrease logistics efficiencies and lead to delayed
shipments.

● Multimodal is a more flexible transport method and meeting deadlines becomes more achievable. If one transport method sees delays then another can be used instead to ensure timely delivery of goods.

● Even the remotest of areas can be reached when using multimodal transport. For instance, when combining air freight with road freight, goods can be delivered directly to the consignee’s door.

● Businesses can reduce their environmental impact when combining sustainable transport methods such as sea or rail freight into their logistics operations.

What are the challenges of multimodal transport?

Whilst multimodal transport has its benefits, it can come with its challenges too:

● With multiple transport methods going on, there’s a lot of logistical operations to manage and organise as consignors need to keep on top of shipments as they travel via different modes. This is why It’s important to establish clear and consistent communication with your freight forwarder.

● As cargo travels across different transport types, various documentation and custom permits are required. This can add a layer of complexity to supply chains as each shipment method has its own requirements and regulations that require greater planning and coordination.

● Multimodal transport requires constant monitoring of goods to ensure cargo has reached its next stage in the logistics process. Therefore it is essential to have access to monitoring systems that allow tracking of goods in real time and provide visibility throughout the entire supply chain.

Multimodal transport services from Jenkar

Opting to use multimodal transport simplifies logistics by using a single contract and carrier to manage an entire journey. This can streamline operations and reduce supply chain complications by communicating with a singular, trusted contractor or freight forwarder.

At Jenkar Shipping, we can be that trusted freight forwarder than your supply chain needs. We offer a comprehensive multimodal freight service that is overseen by our expert and knowledgeable team who will ensure that your goods are handled with care and delivered on time.

We understand that each shipment is unique and we pride ourselves on offering tailored solutions to meet your specific logistics needs. Whether you’re transporting perishable goods, oversized equipment, or time-sensitive cargo, our multimodal transport services are designed to provide the flexibility and reliability you require. Additionally, you can leverage our leading-edge WebTrack system to track your shipment from door-to-door and gain peace of mind that your shipment is on schedule.

Optimise your supply chain operations with multimodal transport services from Jenkar Shipping today. Get in touch with a member of our friendly team to start planning your journey.