Multimodal transport
What is multimodal transportation?
Multimodal transportation is the movement of goods using two or more transport modes—such as road, rail, sea, or air—under a single contract. A single logistics provider manages the entire process, making planning, communication, and accountability much simpler for businesses.
How does multimodal transportation work?
A shipment might start on a truck for pick‑up, move onto rail or air for faster long‑haul transit, and return to road transport for final delivery. Throughout the journey, cargo typically remains in the same container or unit, reducing handling and delays while keeping goods protected.
Why is multimodal transportation important?
Businesses rely on multimodal solutions to balance speed, cost, and reach. It enables more reliable cross‑border flows, offers flexibility during disruptions, and optimizes delivery times without excessively increasing transport spend.
What are the benefits of multimodal transportation?
- Optimized delivery: Each mode is used where it performs best.
- Lower cost: Combining modes helps manage freight spend without sacrificing reliability.
- Simplified operations: One contract and one operator streamline processes.
- Sustainability gains: Optimized routing can reduce carbon emissions.
Overcoming the challenges of multimodal transportation
1. Coordination complexity
Different networks, modes, and schedules can be hard to synchronize. Thus, this requires working with providers experienced in integrated transport planning.
2. Visibility across the journey
Tracking may be fragmented across different carriers. To that end, it is important to choose logistics partners that offer unified shipment visibility.
3. Overcoming border and compliance issues
Multiple countries mean more documentation. Having a logistics provider with strong customs and regulatory expertise is paramount for preventing delays arising from cross-border and compliance issues.
How does DHL’s TRUCKAIR service demonstrate multimodal transport?
DHL Global Forwarding’s TRUCKAIR service is a multimodal solution designed for large‑volume, bulky shipments moving between China and Europe. It combines road and air transport to create a route that is faster than road‑only options while being more cost‑efficient than traditional air freight.
Cargo is collected inland in China, transported by truck to a central hub, then moved by air to Europe, where it continues onward by the most suitable mode. Customers using TRUCKAIR have reported six-figure cost savings in the two months since adopting the service, making it an effective alternative for time‑sensitive, high‑volume freight.
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