Intermodal transport is the movement of goods in the same container or unit across two or more modes of transport, such as ship, rail and truck, without handling the goods themselves. Only the container is transferred between modes. Each leg of the journey may be arranged under a separate contract with a different carrier. Intermodal vs multimodal: Both use more than one mode of transport. Intermodal transport focuses on keeping goods in one unit throughout, and each leg can have its own contract. Multimodal transport is arranged under a single contract, with one provider responsible for the whole journey. Why it matters for your supply chain: Less handling means lower risk of damage and loss, and you can choose the most cost-effective mode for each leg. Related terms: Multimodal transport, Container, Chassis, Drayage Find out more: Rail freight and Road freight
