The idea of ​​multimodal transport is based on combining at least two modes of transport. This requires a large logistic base and a constantly developing infrastructure. According to legal regulations, classic road transport is to be only a complement to other sources of transport. This opens up a lot of possibilities at the level of international and intercontinental transport, thanks to which this type of practice has recently gained special importance.

What is combined transport?

The aforementioned infrastructure plays a key role in this case, because a network of road connections and transhipment points is used for such a complex logistic process. Except truck transportwhich is only an auxiliary element - multimodal transport is based on rail, air and sea transport. When planning the route, the characteristics of each transport source should be taken into account - this will allow you to optimize the time and costs incurred.

So how to plan and tame such a complex process? Specialists can help transport and forwarding companiesthat deal with the provision of this type of service on a daily basis. Choosing an external company brings measurable benefits - we gain, above all, peace of mind, punctuality and an attractive price for the comprehensive execution of the order. Multimodal transport is gaining importance among customers who want to organize transit between several country borders, and even between continents. This opens up a lot of possibilities - the newly emerging transshipment terminals allow for faster flow of goods, at the same time increasing ranges. The aim of the discussed solution is to popularize and further develop this field of transport - optimal deadlines and standardized documentation are the best proof of this.

A few words about the way of transporting ...

The most popular choice is of course transport linking railways with heavy goods vehicles. The growing costs of rolling stock maintenance and restrictions related to the traffic on weekends and non-working days, or a high risk of accidents are just a few factors that contributed to the decision to combine these transport branches. Another plus is the reduced level of environmental pollution. This combination is perfect for solutions offered within The New Silk Road, where the central axis is express freight trains.

Another proposed solution is utilization trucks and ships. The advantage of this solution is the short time associated with reloading - thanks to the use of a flat surface, it is possible to enter the deck of trucks or trains. Another factor in favor is cyclicality of making connections. Opponents of this alternative point out long service deadline - in the case of Poland-China relations, it may be up to 2 months. It also deserves attention container transport, which unified the way of transporting loads - through specific dimensions and freedom as to the type of transported products, it is also used in the aviation industry. The advantage of using the services of airline companies is short transport time, unfortunately it is not without its drawbacks. The disadvantages include limited load capacity, dependence on weather conditions and high prices.

In conclusion - based on several fields of transport multimodal transport gains more and more importance and becomes more attractive. Positive environmental impact i reduction of costs related to the entire transport process these are just a few of the advantages. Flexibility and freedom as to the transported goods gives a wide range of possibilities. Unfortunately, just like any system, this solution is also not free from disadvantages. Combining several methods of transport requires reloading - this in turn increases the risk of damage to the goods, but this element largely eliminates the use of containers. According to experts, multimodal transport it has a forward-looking character, which will gain even more importance through technological and infrastructural development.