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Intermodal transportation is a transportation method at the heart of modern logistics, transforming the dynamics of global trade. This system integrates different transport modes (road, rail, sea, and air) to ensure that goods remain in a single transport unit from origin to destination. This approach offers critical advantages such as optimizing costs and enhancing environmental sustainability.
With advancing technologies and the acceleration of global trade, intermodal transportation plays a significant role in maximizing the efficiency and flexibility of supply chains. Countries with strategic geographical locations like Türkiye leverage the opportunities provided by this method to establish a significant presence in global logistics networks. A detailed examination of the specifics and benefits of intermodal transportation will help us understand why this system is poised to be one of the future transport solutions.
What is Intermodal Transportation What Does Intermodal Transportation Mean?
Intermodal transportation involves the movement of goods using at least two different modes of transport (e.g., road, sea, rail) utilizing a single transport unit (container, trailer). In this transportation method, goods remain attached to the same transport unit or vehicle while transferring from one mode to another. These transport units are typically standardized units such as containers, trailers, or swap bodies. Intermodal transportation aims to optimize the advantages of different transportation types (road, rail, sea, air) to enhance the efficiency of logistics processes. This method offers sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility in logistics and supply chain management.
Difference Between Multimodal and Intermodal Transportation
In multimodal transportation, there is a single transport contract covering all modes. In contrast, intermodal transportation involves separate transport contracts for each mode. This procedural distinction defines the difference between these two transportation methods, which are otherwise quite similar.
Intermodal Transportation Basics
Intermodal transportation combines multiple modes of transport (e.g., road, rail, sea, air) using standardized transport units. Several fundamental elements come together due to the use of multiple transportation modes in intermodal transportation.
1. Transport Units
One of the fundamental elements of intermodal transportation is the standardization of transport units carrying goods. These units typically include containers and trailers:
Containers: Containers produced in standard sizes are the most commonly used transport units in intermodal transportation. Manufactured according to ISO standards, containers come in specific sizes like 20 feet (TEU) and 40 feet (FEU). These standards facilitate easy transfer of containers across all modes of transportation. Containers are usually made of durable and weather-resistant materials, ensuring the protection of goods during transportation.
Trailers and Swap Bodies: Trailers and swap bodies used in road transportation are also crucial components of intermodal transportation. Trailers are detachable from truck tractors and can be used in different transportation modes. Swap bodies, similar to trailers, are containers that can be detached from truck tractors and used in various transportation modes. These units facilitate flexible loading and unloading operations, speeding up logistics processes.
2. Transportation Modes
Intermodal transportation integrates different transportation modes, each with its unique advantages and characteristics:
Road: Trucks and lorries are used for the first and last mile deliveries in intermodal transportation. They offer flexibility and door-to-door delivery options. They are commonly used for short distances or urban distribution.
Rail: Rail transport is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for transporting large-volume goods over long distances. Rail transportation is particularly advantageous in terms of energy efficiency.
Sea: Forms the backbone of international trade and enables cost-effective transportation of large volumes of goods. Sea transport is an ideal solution for container shipping between ports worldwide.
Air: Preferred for high-value or sensitive products that require rapid delivery. Air transport enables quick transportation of goods over long distances.
3. Terminals and Transfer Points
Terminals and transfer points are crucial for the efficient operation of intermodal transportation, where goods are transferred between different modes of transport:
Ports: Critical transfer points in sea transport. Ports are where containers are transferred from ships to road or rail transport units.
Railway Terminals: Locations where goods are loaded onto and unloaded from railway transport. These terminals are typically located in large cities or industrial areas and are equipped with extensive infrastructure.
Road Terminals: Areas where goods are loaded onto or unloaded from road vehicles. These terminals are usually situated on the outskirts of cities or in logistics centers.
Air Cargo Terminals: Locations where goods transition to air transport mode. Air cargo terminals are often located near major airports and are equipped for rapid loading and unloading operations.
Intermodal Transportation Process: How Does It Work?
Intermodal transportation involves the coordinated operation of multiple transportation modes, making it a complex process. This process generally consists of 5 key steps:
1. Planning and Preparation: The intermodal transportation process begins with transportation planning. During this stage, the most suitable transportation modes are identified based on the type, quantity, destination, and timeframe of the goods to be transported. The planning process typically includes the following steps:
• Identification of cargo type, size, weight, and hazardous material classification.
• Selection of the most suitable and economical route considering transportation modes, transfer points, and customs procedures.
• Calculation of transportation costs based on transportation modes, distance, and cargo characteristics.
• Preparation of necessary customs documents and completion of customs procedures.
• Procurement of cargo insurance.
2. Loading and Transshipment: After planning is completed, the process of loading goods onto transportation units begins. Typically, the initial transportation mode is road transport.
• Goods are loaded onto a transportation unit such as a container, trailer, or swap body.
• Different types of cargo can be loaded onto a single transportation unit.
• Goods undergo customs and security inspections.
• Goods are transferred from one transportation mode to another at transfer points.
• Necessary precautions are taken to prevent damage during handling of goods.
3. Main Transportation Mode: The main transportation mode is the mode in which the goods are transported over the longest distance. This mode constitutes the largest part of the transportation and is typically rail or sea transportation.
4. Last Transportation Mode and Delivery: After reaching the nearest terminal from the main transportation mode to the destination, the goods are transported to the final delivery point using the last transportation mode.
• Upon arrival at the terminal, goods are transferred to the last transportation mode. This is usually road transportation, but in some cases, it may involve short-distance rail transportation.
• Goods are transported by road to the final destination and delivered to the consignee. This stage is also known as door-to-door delivery.
5. Invoicing and Payment: This stage marks the final transportation phase where goods are delivered to the consignee.
• An invoice is issued for the transportation service.
• The transportation fee (unless otherwise agreed) is paid by the consignee.
What are the Advantages of Intermodal Transportation?
The advantages of intermodal transportation can be categorized as cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and safety. Generally, the use of intermodal transportation offers the following advantages:
Cost Efficiency: It provides the opportunity to transport goods at lower costs compared to using a single mode, by utilizing each transportation mode where it is most suitable. Additionally, it saves fuel since rail and sea transport consume less fuel than road transport. Furthermore, using transport units inherent to this mode reduces time and labor costs during loading and unloading processes.
Environmental Sustainability: Intermodal transportation plays a significant role in reducing environmental impacts, particularly in alleviating the environmental burdens of road transportation. Lower fossil fuel consumption reduces the carbon footprint of this type of transportation, promoting energy efficiency. Moreover, using transport modes other than road transport reduces road traffic and consequently reduces noise pollution.
Operational Efficiency: Intermodal transportation ensures more efficient management of operational processes. Integration of different transport modes increases logistic flexibility and ensures more effective resource utilization. Using a single transport unit reduces handling, speeds up operations, and minimizes the risk of cargo damage.
Flexibility: The ability to utilize different transport modes provides flexibility in transportation processes by offering various alternatives. It allows for selecting the most suitable route and enables the transportation of diverse cargo types together, thus enhancing flexibility.
Safety: Rail and sea transportation carry much lower accident risks compared to road transport. This ensures the secure completion of processes without interruption and reduces the likelihood of cargo damage.
Intermodal Transportation in Türkiye
Türkiye holds significant potential for intermodal transportation due to its strategic location. Situated at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, our country serves as a logistical bridge between these regions. In Türkiye, intermodal transportation gains importance, especially through the integration of railways and maritime routes. Major ports and a developing railway network support the growth of intermodal transportation. Furthermore, improvements in Türkiye’s road infrastructure and the establishment of new logistics centers enhance the effectiveness of intermodal transportation.
In conclusion, intermodal transportation is indispensable in today's global world. This transportation method offers numerous advantages in international and intercontinental logistics. It is foreseeable that intermodal transportation will continue to evolve with increased technology integration and the widespread adoption of alternative energy sources in the future.
In this context, TackLog, one of the youngest logistics firms in Izmir, reflects the quality and experience of Asmira Group in transportation and storage areas, guided by technology. For more information about our transportation and storage solutions or to get acquainted with our offices and Asmira Group, please visit our website: asmiragroup.com