Intermodal is the method of delivering the cargo to the buyer using different transportation methods without changing (handling) the transportation container of the products. Rail, road and RORO transportation methods are used effectively in intermodal transportation. Intermodal transportation method was developed to prevent damage to the customer's products and to provide a cost advantage. Since it does not proceed with a single transportation method, it causes less environmental pollution.
Benefits of Intermodal Transportation
- Saves time
- At points where sea transportation is insufficient, road and rail delivery are possible.
- It allows door-to-door delivery.
- It reduces the risk of accidents and wear and tear of products without handling them against natural conditions.
- It provides a great advantage in terms of costs.
Intermodal Transportation Sections and Transportation Types
Road : Containers are mainly used in intermodal transportation. After the operations are completed by the container loading company at the loading point; The container is loaded onto the vehicle. The loads are shipped to the nearest railway point. Loading is done by the transporter onto the contracted train. The products arrive at the destination train station in a container. By loading the container onto the road transport vehicle by the transporter's agency. It delivers the products. If the container will load the return cargo from one point, it will return to the first country and location of departure, full or empty.
Railway : Railway transportation is one of the most important key points of intermodal transportation. Convenient freights and causes less environmental pollution. If there is a railway in some difficult mountainous regions, it provides great advantages. The container is easily loaded into the relevant train wagon without unloading. Loading and unloading also provides rapid operation for fast delivery.
Sea RORO Transportation : Intermodal transportation provides the most affordable price and intercontinental as well as domestic service at points where there is no land connection, allowing sea RORO transportation. It provides affordable freight with a mixed transportation method that integrates different transportation methods such as sea, land, air and railway without container transfer. RORO Ships can load mobile products with running gear. Containers loaded on trailers; the trailer is loaded onto the ship; At the destination, unloading is provided by the contracted agency's tow trucks.
Air Transportation : Although it is not very common in intermodal transportation, containers are sent to the destination airport by plane. It is used for urgent and sensitive cargo of multinational companies. Generally, valuable products are transported using this method. Since the cost of air transportation is higher than other transportation modules, this transportation method has little use.
In Intermodal Transportation Contracts, a separate contract is drawn up for each transportation module. Because the conditions of each transportation method are different, extra costs that may arise such as demurrage, storage, etc., which are subtle points in the logistics sector, vary depending on the individual transportation methods. In the intermodal transportation method, contracts are drawn up for land, sea, railway and air transportation in accordance with separate conditions for each.
Container Types Used in Intermodal Transportation: Generally, 45' containers and special equipment are commonly used. It also uses container types such as 40' and 20' DC for specific projects.