Multimodal and intermodal transportation: modern solutions for international logistics

Combined routes and cargo delivery schemes (multimodal and intermodal transportation) are the main tools of modern logistics, especially focused on long distances and the movement of goods across oceans, countries and continents, helping to optimize deadlines, reduce costs and ensure reliable transportation of your products to any, even the most remote, point in the world.

Based on the experience and knowledge of our specialists, we have long concluded that sea ​​freight in combination with road and rail transport, they form a powerful and flexible system in the form of a ready-made solution for your tasks.

Mitridat offers customers not only transportation, but also a full cycle of organized logistics:

• розробка індивідуального маршруту під завдання клієнта;
• support and control at every stage;
• preparation of all necessary documents;
• cargo insurance;
• transparent conditions and reporting on transportation;
• own facilities and representative offices in key ports of the world.

What is multimodal transportation and why is it so popular?

Multimodal logistics is a delivery method in which cargo travels a route using several modes of transport (sea, road, rail and in some cases, aviation), but the transportation is arranged under a single contract with one logistics operator. This means that the client interacts with one executor, who takes responsibility and coordinates all stages: from the moment of shipment to the moment of receipt of the cargo.

Unlike the standard scheme, where it is necessary to work with different transport companies separately, a multimodal approach simplifies processes and reduces the number of intermediaries. This provides several practical advantages:

• unified management: the client does not need to coordinate the work of different carriers, because the entire route is under the control of one company;
• cost optimization: combining different types of transport and their advantages (from low cost to high speed of the route) helps to balance costs and delivery times;
• flexibility of routes: combining transport allows you to adapt the route to specific cargo requirements and delivery geography;
• Reliability: in case of changing circumstances, multimodal schemes provide more opportunities to reroute without serious loss of time.

Intermodal transportation: when is it profitable?

Intermodal transportation also involves the use of different modes of transport, but differs significantly in the way it is organized and interacts with carriers. In intermodal schemes, each section of the route is organized under a separate contract with a specific transport provider, which means that the person who performs it is responsible for the route segment.

This approach can be useful when it is important to be as flexible as possible in choosing participants, carriers and partners, as well as optimizing the cost of each segment or using specialized transport for specific sections of the route. However, the logistics themselves become more complex: more coordination, attention to documents and risks are required.

Sea freight transportation is the standard of global trade

Sea freight is, without exaggeration, the basis of international logistics. According to industry data, up to 90% of cargo in international trade is transported by sea, mainly in containers. Containers and their parameters are standardized, which makes this format the most profitable and safe way to transport various types of cargo - from industrial goods and equipment to household products.

Sea transportation is particularly effective for large volumes and long routes, and its main advantages include: cost-effectiveness, the ability to transport heavy and oversized cargo, reliability, and safety.

It is important to choose the right type of container:

• standard 20- or 40-foot container;
• refrigerated with temperature control;
• specialized (open, platform or other modifications).

It is also important to decide on the download format:

• FCL – when a container is filled by one shipper, which reduces the risk of damage, speeds up processing in ports and warehouses, and is often a profitable solution for large volumes of cargo;
• LCL or consolidated cargo – suitable for small or test batches, when the client pays only for the container space actually used, making delivery affordable even for small volumes.