Transportation

Intermodal Transportation

Using multiple modes of transport—truck, rail, ship, or air—to move goods from origin to destination.

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Updated 2025-10-01

Definition

Intermodal transportation combines the strengths of different transport modes, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and lowering environmental impact.

Overview

Overview

Intermodal transportation leverages the advantages of each transport type, allowing goods to be moved efficiently over long distances with minimal handling.

Key Features

  • Use of standardized containers
  • Seamless transfers between transport modes
  • Reduced freight handling
  • Improved delivery reliability

Example

A shipment moves by truck from the factory to a rail terminal, then by train across the country, and finally by truck for last-mile delivery.

Tags

#Intermodal#Transportation#Shipping#Logistics#Containers

Related Terms

Intermodal Drayage
Multi-Modal Transport
Freight Forwarding