Intermodal freight transport, which uses two or more methods to transport merchandise from a shipper to a consignee, utilises rail, air freight, trucking, ocean freight, and inland waterway freight. Intermodal shipping utilises standardized, rectangular containers to move cargo across numerous routes. They are used in Intermodal shipping. Intermodal containers may be stacked on ships, hauled in specially-designed cargo aircraft, and even secured to specially-built railcars and trailers. Intermodal shipping containers are built to withstand all manner of handling, including their direct handling.

How Does Intermodal Transportation Work?

When cargo is shipped internationally using ocean freight, overland transportation is likely to occur at certain legs of its journey. The shipper’s warehouse or any other chosen pickup point is connected by rail or road to the port of loading. From there, it is taken to the port of discharge by sea, and then overland to the final recipient. Intermodal freight must adhere to two important requirements. The first is that it must be transported within a single transport unit throughout its journey. The second is that the container must not be consolidated or deconsolidated during transport.

As intermodal transportation often involves the use of railroad cars, it’s worth noting that there are two different types of intermodal transport, both of which include a rail leg:

• COFC: Container-on-flatcar (COFC) is an efficient and affordable type of intermodal shipping where simultaneous loading of four containers can take place onto a well-car.
• TOFC: Trailer-on-flatcar (TOFC) is the kind of intermodal shipping in which an over-the-road trailer (OTR) is placed directly on the well-car.

The COFC and TOFC methods have been of great benefit to intermodal transportation over the years, saving money, time, and effort, while reducing manual labour.

Benefits of Intermodal Transportation

1. Speed
2. Cost-efficiency
3. Environmental Friendliness
4. Flexibility and Convenience
5. Safety
6. Reliable Capacity

ProConnect Integrated Logistics for your Business

ProConnect is a third party logistics company incorporated in 2015 to capture the Middle Eastern 3PL market with prime focus on achieving optimal efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Be it large volumes of cargo, or just a few kilos; be it air, sea or road freight – businesses across the world have entrusted their freight shipping to us. Our expertise over the years has helped many businesses grow across boundaries. In addition to shipping, we also undertake custom clearance, import and export trade help that you may have along with offering you value-added services.

If you are looking for a partner to take care of all your logistics hassles, talk to us today.