What is Multimodal and Intermodal Shipping

First, let’s begin with some definitions:

Multimodal: Multimodal transport (otherwise called joined transport) is the transportation of products under a solitary contract, yet performed with no less than two distinct methods for transport; the transporter is legally responsible for the whole carriage, despite the fact that it is performed by a few different methods of transport (by train, sea and road, for instance). The carrier doesn’t need to have all the channels of transport; the carriage is every so often performed by sub-carriers (also known as “Actual carriers”). The shipper accountable for the entire carriage is stated as a multimodal transport operator ( MTO).

Intermodal: Intermodal freight transport includes the transportation of cargo in an intermodal vehicle or container, utilizing various methods of transportation (train, ship, and truck), without any management of the cargo itself when changing methods. This process eases cargo handling, thus enhances security, lessens damage and loss, and allows cargo to be transported sooner. Reduced expenses over road trucking are the main advantage for inter-continental use.

Difference Between both modes

The real contrast among Multimodal and Intermodal is the number of agreements the shipper has with different service providers.

In a Multimodal Freight, the shipper has one agreement of carriage, which covers all methods of transport from starting point to a destination. This connects to one shipper for one voyage. This contract of transport is with one carrier, regardless of whether that is a steamship line or international air cargo forwarder. The steamship line or international freight forwarder hands out a Combined Transport Bill of Lading or a Multimodal Bill of Lading.

Benefits: 

•  The transporter can hold the one carrier legally responsible for movement
•  Can get tracking and tracing updates from one carrier
• Efficiency in carriage times can be met.
  

In an Intermodal Freight, the transporter has several contracts, one with a freight forwarder/ocean carrier, another with a truck driver or truck and rail transporter in origin country and another with a truck driver or trucker and trail transporter in the destination country. The shipper issues Docks to Docks Bill of Lading. Every single additional carrier engaged in the freight gives their own shipping document, for example, Rail to the shipper or Bill of Lading for Domestic Transport.

Benefits: 

•   The talent to select your own carriers depends on cost or service for each stage of the shipment
• The capability to stop the shipment at one point for any reason since you manages every stage
• More swiftness on carrier selection if there are gear or space problems with carriers
  

Multimodal vs. Intermodal- Which to choose

The decision of why you pick one mode versus another relies upon a few factors, for example, regardless of whether the shipper needs to have various autonomous contracts with multiple carriers, the aggregate cost distinction between the two choices, how it influences stock turns and costs, the time savings concerned with every mode for both transportation of the freight and managerial coordination, the ecological impact of one approach over another, and how it adjusts or influences the paperwork involved in the delivery. Use SEA PRINCE for better air freight rates in Dubai.