Intermodal Shipping vs Multimodal Shipping
11 Apr 2019 Freight Shipping
Understanding the differences between intermodal shipping and multimodal shipping can help you choose the best shipping option for your specific freight. The shipping experts from C&D Logistics understand how important it is to choose the best shipping method for your particular wants and needs. That is why they offer a selection of different freight shipping services.
What is Intermodal Shipping?
Intermodal shipping is the transportation of freight in a container or vehicle from one destination to the next, using several modes of transportation (rail, ship, and truck). While every mode of transportation has a different carrier responsible for the shipment, the contents of the freight is never handled during the transportation process, even when changing modes.
Since intermodal shipping involves multiple modes of transportation, the shipper will have separate contracts with each of the transport carriers assigned to handling their portion of the shipment. Intermodal transport can be a great option for companies looking to have their freight reach its destination faster, and it can also help improve security and reduce damage and loss during transport.
What is Multimodal Shipping?
Similar to intermodal shipping, multimodal shipping uses a combination of different transportation options (trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes) to move a shipment; however, multimodal shipments all fall under a single contract or bill of lading. While multimodal shipments fall under one contract, the different modes of transportation can be outsourced to different sub-carriers.
Multimodal shipping is the ideal option for companies that want to deal with one provider in order to save time and eliminate the stress of having to communicate between different contracts. While multimodal transport offers efficient delivery times and proficient shipment tracking, it is best used by companies who can handle shipping delays.
Should You Choose Intermodal or Multimodal Shipping?
Whether you choose to use intermodal shipping or multimodal shipping will depend on a range of different factors and what will work best for your particular business needs. Some of the things that you will need to consider before deciding which mode of shipping will work best for your business needs include:
- Choosing between multiple different contracts and one contract
- The cost difference between the two types of shipping based on your unique cargo
- How each mode of shipping will affect inventory and costs
- The time savings involved in the transportation of cargo and administrative coordination
- The environmental impact each type of shipping has
- How each mode of transportation will affect the paperwork involved in the shipment
If you would like to learn more about the differences between intermodal shipping and multimodal shipping, or if you are interested in freight shipping services, please contact C&D Logistics at 604-881-4440 or by filling out a contact form on their website. You can also stay up to date with the latest news by following them on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
