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Combined transport is a logistics approach involving the integration of different transportation modes to deliver goods from door to door using various transport vehicles. The primary objective of this type of transport is to combine the advantages of each transportation mode used, generally offering a more advantageous transportation service overall. In this article, we will discuss combined transport and explore its differences from intermodal transport.
What is Combined Transport?
Combined transport is an integrated transportation process using two or more different modes of transport (such as road, rail, sea, or air) to deliver goods to a destination point. This type of transport aims to optimize the advantages of each transportation mode throughout the transport stages, providing cost-effectiveness, speed, and flexibility.
What is a Combined Transport Document?
The Combined Transport Document (CTD) is a document used in combined transport operations, detailing the transportation of goods involving multiple modes of transport. This document is used throughout the entire process of combined transport and clearly specifies which transport modes and processes will be used to transport goods from the origin point to the final destination.
What Information is Included in the Combined Transport Document?
The Combined Transport Document includes the names/business names, addresses, and contact information of the sender and receiver of the goods. Additionally, it provides information on the type, weight, dimensions, quantity, and packaging of the goods, as well as details about the transport modes to be used, transit points between these modes, and route information.
In addition to details about the nature, quantity, origin, destination, and method of transportation of the goods, the document should also cover when and how the goods will be transported, handling procedures at each stage, security measures, insurance status of the goods, and payment terms for transportation costs.
Differences Between Intermodal and Combined Transport
The concept of combined transport is often confused with intermodal transport. While both involve the use of different transport modes, intermodal transport can be considered a subset of combined transport. The fundamental difference between them lies in handling:
1. Handling Situation: In intermodal transport, goods are transported within a shipping unit such as a container, and the goods inside the container are not handled when transferring from one mode of transport to another. In combined transport, however, goods may be handled when transitioning between different modes of transport. For example, when transferring from a ship to a truck, goods may be unloaded and reloaded.
2. Transport Units: Because goods can be handled between different transport modes in combined transport, there is no requirement for specific transport units. In intermodal transport, internationally accepted standard transport units like containers are typically used, and goods remain inside these units throughout the transport process.
3. Cost and Time: Intermodal transport can be faster and more cost-effective because there is no handling involved during mode transitions. In combined transport, costs increase due to multiple handling operations and the requirement for manpower, resulting in longer transport times compared to intermodal transport.
4. Coverage Area: Intermodal transport is more limited in coverage compared to combined transport, which allows for freely transferring goods without the use of specific transport units and without handling operations.
What is Multimodal Transport?
Another subset of combined transport is multimodal transport. In multimodal transport, multiple transport modes are used similarly to combined transport; however, there are several critical differences:
1. Transport Contract: In multimodal transport, a single transport contract covers the entire transport process and all modes. In combined transport, separate transport contracts are issued for each transport mode.
2. Responsibility: In combined transport, each transport mode is responsible for its own segment of the journey, whereas in multimodal transport, responsibility lies with a single carrier.
3. Pricing: Pricing in multimodal transport is determined by a single carrier, whereas in combined transport, pricing is determined separately for each transport mode due to separate contracts being issued.
Therefore, combined transport encompasses processes of multimodal and intermodal transport, but with distinct differences in fundamental operations.
What are the Advantages of Combined Transport?
The main purpose of combined transport is to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of logistics operations by integrating the advantages of different transport modes. Here are five key advantages of combined transport:
1. Cost Savings: Combined transport uses the combination of the most cost-effective transport modes to move goods from the origin to the destination. The absence of a standard transport unit increases flexibility in choosing transport vehicles, significantly reducing costs.
2. Time Savings: Organizing different transport modes complementarily in combined transport saves time in the transportation process.
3. Increased Flexibility: The combined use of different modes increases flexibility in the transportation process, allowing for easy adaptation to different conditions and customer demands.
4. Reduced Environmental Impact: When deciding on the combination of transport modes, more environmentally friendly options can be chosen based on the nature of the goods, transport process requirements, and time constraints. Increased flexibility also facilitates the selection of lower carbon footprint modes.
5. Improved Safety: Each transport mode has its own specific safety standards. Compliance with different safety measures across different transport modes enhances the overall safety of the transportation process.
In addition to these advantages, combined transport eliminates the necessity of relying on a single transport mode, allowing for leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of each transport mode. It plays a significant role in international trade by facilitating efficient transportation to different parts of the world, and it simplifies the monitoring and control of logistics operations.
Points to Consider in Combined Transport
As seen, combined transport is a practice that offers many advantages, supporting businesses in saving time, reducing costs, and enhancing transportation efficiency. However, there are certain risks and points that need careful attention in this transportation process.
Firstly, coordinating between at least two transport modes can be challenging due to their different operational requirements. Organizing different transport companies and planning them to complement each other can be more complex compared to intermodal and multimodal transport types. Additionally, the risk of goods being damaged increases naturally during handling processes at mode transitions. Therefore, extra effort is required to ensure safety during handling.
Moreover, customs procedures and bureaucratic processes may lengthen due to handling and the combined use of different modes. This necessitates meticulous planning of the transportation process, close monitoring of the process, and staying updated on regulations and changes in customs and bureaucratic matters.
Founded in 1977, Asmira Group has been actively serving the industry with expertise transferred to the transportation sector through Tacklog company. With a wide service network covering all regions of Türkiye and a young and strong fleet, Asmira delivers exceptional service. Operating on the principle of delivering exactly as customers desire, on time, and in the best possible manner with its expert team. For detailed information and contact with Asmira Group, including specifics about the transportation services conducted with Tacklog, visit our website.