Road + rail
Combining road and rail transport when route stability, cost or limiting a long road leg matters for the load.
Intermodal and multimodal transport
We help choose a solution that combines different transport modes: road, rail, sea or ferry. We check whether intermodal transport makes sense for the route, load, timing and budget.
Intermodal transport
When one transport mode is not enough
Not every load is best handled by road alone. On longer routes, with larger volumes, port connections or routes requiring a ferry crossing, it is worth checking whether an intermodal or multimodal solution would be better.
ABCGF helps analyse the route and choose an option that may combine road, rail, sea or ferry transport. The aim is to organise the process properly, not to add unnecessary stages.
Scope
What can we check and organise?
Road + sea
Organisation of a process in which road transport is combined with sea freight or port handling.
Road + ferry crossing
Selection of a ferry crossing for loads moving across the Baltic Sea, the North Sea or routes that require a ferry connection.
Containers and loading units
Checking whether the load can be handled in a container, trailer or another loading unit suitable for the chosen solution.
Transhipment and warehouse
Combining transport with warehousing, transhipment, picking or shipment preparation.
Options to compare
Support in comparing options: road only, road + rail, road + sea or a combined solution.
Process
How do we check intermodal transport?
We analyse the route
We check the loading location, delivery location, access to ports, terminals, ferry crossings or rail sections.
We check the load
We verify dimensions, weight, packaging method, loading unit and transhipment requirements.
We compare options
We assess whether road, intermodal, multimodal transport or a combination with warehouse support is the better option.
We coordinate the stages
If the solution makes sense, we help connect the transport stages and operational information into one process.
Intermodal is not always the best option — but it is worth checking
Intermodal transport makes sense when the route, volume, timing and cargo type justify combining several transport modes. We do not present it as a solution for every shipment. First, we check whether this option is practical and possible to organise.
- we check the route and available connections,
- we analyse the load and transport unit,
- we compare road-only and combined options,
- we include warehousing, transhipment or ferry crossing if needed.
Enquiry
What should you send in an enquiry?
Send the basic details and we will check whether intermodal transport makes sense for your route and load.
- loading and delivery locations,
- country of origin and destination,
- type of goods,
- load dimensions and weight,
- number of pallets, containers or items,
- whether the goods can be transhipped,
- required collection and delivery date,
- preferred transport option, if known,
- information about warehousing, transhipment or customs requirements,
- a photo of the load if the dimensions or shape are unusual.
FAQ
What is the difference between intermodal and multimodal transport?
In intermodal transport, the load usually stays in the same loading unit, such as a container, even when the transport mode changes. Multimodal transport is a broader term and may involve different ways of handling the cargo at different stages of the route.
Is intermodal transport always cost-effective?
Not always. It is worth checking on longer routes, with larger volumes, port connections, ferry crossings or when road transport is not the optimal option.
Can intermodal transport be combined with warehousing?
Yes. If goods need to be received, transhipped, stored or prepared for further dispatch, the intermodal transport analysis can be combined with warehouse handling.