Intermodale

Intermodale transport, or intermodal transport, refers to the movement of goods using at least two different transport modes to complete a single journey. The key feature is that the cargo is transferred at dedicated intermodal terminals without being repeatedly unloaded and reloaded. Most intermodal shipments use standardized containers or swap bodies, allowing seamless transfer between ships, trains, trucks, and barges with minimal handling.

Typical combinations include road and rail, road and sea, or rail and inland waterways. Intermodal terminals, container yards, and transfer facilities enable the transfer of containers between modes. Efficient intermodal chains rely on synchronized schedules, reliable information flows, and standardized equipment and procedures to minimize delays and handling costs.

Advantages include higher energy efficiency and lower emissions per ton-kilometre when long hauls use rail or ship, improved security, reduced road congestion, and potential cost savings over long-distance routes. Intermodal transport can also enhance reliability by distributing risk across several modes and reducing vulnerability to a single mode's disruption.

Challenges involve coordinating multiple operators and regulatory regimes, investing in a dense network of terminals and equipment, ensuring seamless data exchange, and managing last-mile delivery. Infrastructure gaps, customs procedures for multi-border shipments, and the capital cost of containers and cranes can limit rapid deployment in some regions.

Policy trends favor modal shift toward rail and waterways to meet climate and congestion goals. International and regional programs promote standardization of containers and interfaces, improved terminal efficiency, and digital logistics platforms. Intermodality is a core element of many national transport strategies and European TEN-T plans, which aim to improve cross-border cargo flows.