The trade between European countries increase in intensity. With this increase there is a growing need for fast, secure and cost-effective logistics. Intermodal logistics is a good solution for this type of Freight forwarding.
What is Intermodal Logistics?
Intermodal logistics is the forwarding and transport of goods and cargo using multiple modes of transport while not handling the cargo or goods itself when changing the mode of transport. All types of transport modes can be included in intermodal shipping: sea freight, road freight, air freight and rail freight.
Normally different carriers are responsible for the forwarding of goods and cargo. Because different companies may be involved with intermodal transport there is a need of several separate contracts per shipment.
Why use Intermodal Logistics?
Cost-Effective
Cost-efficiency is achieved by combining the modes of transport that are optimal for the transport route. The opportunity of cutting costs becomes greater the longer the distance of the shipment is.
Cost-estimates are more accurate since goods and cargo is not handled during the change of transportation mode. This can help reduce overall costs for forwarding and handling of goods.
EuroFreight is a member of several logistic networks. This allows us to pick the best transport rates across geographic regions and zones.
Safe & Secure
During intermodal transport there is a reduced amount of cargo handling which improves security during transport. It reduces damage and loss.
Low Carbon Footprint
A great side-effect of intermodal logistics besides cost-efficiency and safety is lower environmental impact. This is the greatest benefit of intermodal transport in our opinion. The reduced impact on our environment. The modes of transport are optimized for the specific shipment route which lowers the CO2 emissions for one of several parts of the transport chain.
Intermodal Logistics in Europe
There are great initiatives in the European Union in developing the infrastructure to further improve trade between members. These initiatives includes all freight modes: road, rail, open sea, inland waterways and air transport. There are two main objectives planned by the CEF (Connecting Europ Facility) for 2030 and 2050. Between 2014 and 2020 the CEF had a budget of €24.05 Billion. You can read more about the initiatives by CEF for transport at the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency.
