How is multimodal and intermodal different from accompanied freight?
Both multimodal and intermodal transportation means combining more than one mode of transport, such as road, rail, barge, sea, or air, for a single consignment rather than just one.
If a pallet leaves a factory by road transport, is then loaded onto a train at a rail terminal for most of the journey and then back to the road to be delivered – this would be defined as either multimodal or intermodal.
What is the difference between Multimodal and Intermodal transport?
The difference between the two modes comes from who is responsible for the load at each stage of its journey.
Multimodal
This is where the same carrier is responsible for the consignment at all points in its journey and only one contract is required.
Intermodal
Involves multiple carriers and contracts with each one being responsible for their own leg of the transport.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages over each other and against single freight modes.
Why choose Multimodal transport?
Multimodal transport is a streamlined way to move your goods—fast, safe, and with less hassle.
Ideal for when you:
Want a simpler, hassle-free shipping process with one point of contact.
Need faster transit times with better coordination between transport modes
Prefer clearer liability, as one carrier is responsible for the entire journey.
Want to reduce paperwork with a single invoice instead of multiple.
Need reliable tracking and oversight from one provider.
Security
With just one carrier handling your entire shipment, there’s less risk of loss, damage, or theft during changeovers at ports and terminals. Plus, the carrier oversees the full journey, ensuring better tracking and accountability every step of the way.
Tracking
Say goodbye to chasing multiple contacts! With one company managing your shipment, tracking is simpler, more reliable, and cost-effective. There is no need for extra software or training—your carrier handles it all, providing clear and consistent updates.
There are software options available to track intermodal loads although this will still involve more effort on behalf of the customer. They would have to source, train staff and monitor the software themselves.
Liability
With one carrier managing the entire journey, there’s no confusion about who is responsible for your shipment at any stage. In the rare event of damage or loss, claims and resolutions are straightforward, eliminating the hassle of dealing with multiple transport providers. A single point of accountability means you can ship with confidence, knowing your goods are in trusted hands.
Faster Delivery
Multimodal transport is designed for speed and efficiency, ensuring your goods reach their destination as quickly as possible. Unlike traditional transport, where different providers handle separate legs of the journey, one carrier oversees everything, minimising downtime between transfers.
With coordination between road, rail, sea, or air, transit times are optimised, delays are reduced, and your supply chain runs smoother than ever.
Cost Savings
Cutting shipping costs without compromising on efficiency is key to a successful supply chain. Multimodal transport helps you save on customs fees and overall transportation costs by optimising routes and reducing unnecessary expenses. Since a single provider manages the logistics, you avoid extra charges by coordinating multiple carriers. Plus, with better scheduling and fewer inefficiencies, you can reduce fuel costs, and storage fees, and avoid costly delays.
Simplicity
There is less coordination and input required from the customer. The organizing freight company can administer each leg of the journey as well as the paperwork and border crossings.
Less coordination and input from the customer as the logistics provider handles everything from start to finish. Your freight provider organises all transport modes, manages border crossings, and takes care of the paperwork, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating different carriers.
This means less admin work, fewer logistical headaches, and a smoother shipping process, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Less paperwork and invoices
Dealing with multiple invoices, different payment terms, and endless paperwork can be overwhelming. With multimodal transport, you get one invoice from a single carrier, keeping everything organised, simple, and easy to manage.
There is no need to juggle multiple sets of documentation or chase different transport providers for billing. This streamlined invoicing process saves you time, reduces errors, and makes financial management much more efficient.
Why choose Intermodal transport?
Intermodal transport moves freight using multiple transportation modes—rail, truck, or ship—while keeping cargo in the same container throughout the journey.
Ideal for when you:
Want to cut costs by using rail for longer journeys
Need flexibility to choose carriers and routes.
Are shipping large volumes over long distances
Can allow longer transit times for lower costs
Prioritise sustainability, as rail and sea reduce emissions.
Cost Efficiency with Mode Selection
One of the biggest advantages of intermodal transport is cost savings. Rail transport, for example, can move large shipments over long distances at a fraction of the fuel cost of trucks, making it a budget-friendly alternative for businesses looking to cut expenses.
By choosing different providers for each stage, shippers can compare prices and select the best option at every step.
Increased Capacity & Availability
Capacity on some vehicles can be tight, especially during peak seasons. Intermodal transport allows shippers to utilise rail networks, which often have greater availability and fewer congestion issues than road transport alone. This can help avoid delays and ensure more consistent delivery schedules.
Control
Customers have more access to equipment and better control over their schedules. If a certain haulage company is not delivering or the shipment faces delays due to weather, congestion, or labour shortages, then it can easily be changed to another option without disrupting the entire supply chain. This makes intermodal a resilient option for long-distance logistics.
The customer has more visibility of the schedules and flexibility in their options at every stage.
Enhanced Security & Reduced Handling Risks
Since intermodal transport keeps goods in the same container from start to finish, there’s less handling, reducing the risk of damage or theft.
With fewer transfer points compared to traditional logistical movements, goods are more secure and intact throughout the journey.
Eco-Friendly Shipping Solution
If you are looking to reduce your carbon emissions, intermodal transport is a greener alternative. On average four litres of diesel will move a tonne of goods 246 miles on the railway.. but only 88 miles by road. Also, combining it with other modes like sea transport further reduces environmental impact.
There are advantages and disadvantages in using either method for transporting your consignments.
Customers should also be aware that both types of modal transport have significant benefits over accompanied transport.
Either way, the choice will depend on several factors including the collection and delivery points, geographical barriers, the required security of the goods plus the size and the weight of the consignment.
Want to know more?
If you would like advice on which methods are best for your goods, then please get in touch with one of our experienced and knowledgeable team who can help advise you on the best solution for your business needs.
