Intermodal transport: how to save money and time
If your company transports goods over huge distances (between countries, continents), errors in logistics can turn into a real disaster for the business: budgets melt away, deadlines are missed, and reputation is rapidly deteriorating.
But there is a solution - intermodal transport. This is not just a delivery method, but a chance to avoid headaches and unnecessary costs. Sargona Private Capital specialists shared how to organise the process to not only save time and money, but also to deliver the cargo intact
But there is a solution - intermodal transport. This is not just a delivery method, but a chance to avoid headaches and unnecessary costs. Sargona Private Capital specialists shared how to organise the process to not only save time and money, but also to deliver the cargo intact
What is intermodal transport
Let's say your cargo has to travel thousands of kilometres - from one country to another, or even to the opposite side of the globe.
This is where the intermodal transport system comes to the rescue - when cargo moves by several modes of transport (e.g. ship, train, truck) under one document and in one package. The cargo is not moved from container to container, which saves time and eliminates the risk of damage.
- Only by aeroplane? Too expensive.
- Only by train? Too long.
This is where the intermodal transport system comes to the rescue - when cargo moves by several modes of transport (e.g. ship, train, truck) under one document and in one package. The cargo is not moved from container to container, which saves time and eliminates the risk of damage.
The managers of Sargona Private Capital Greece listed the advantages of intermodal transportations
1. One document for the whole journey
You don't have to deal with a lot of paperwork for each leg of the journey. Everything is recorded in the Intermodal Transport Document (ITD).
2. Saving money
Combining transport reduces costs. For example, a train is cheaper than a lorry for long-distance transport, and sea transport is cheaper than air freight.
3. Reliability
The container remains sealed, minimising the risk of theft or damage to the goods.
You don't have to deal with a lot of paperwork for each leg of the journey. Everything is recorded in the Intermodal Transport Document (ITD).
2. Saving money
Combining transport reduces costs. For example, a train is cheaper than a lorry for long-distance transport, and sea transport is cheaper than air freight.
3. Reliability
The container remains sealed, minimising the risk of theft or damage to the goods.
When to use intermodal transport
- Long distances
- Large volumes of cargo
- Complex geography of the route
Mistakes in logistics are costly. To avoid losing money, consider the following:
1. Describe the shipment in detail
Specify:
Errors in this data can disrupt a delivery or make it significantly more expensive.
1. Describe the shipment in detail
Specify:
- Weight and dimensions;
- Storage requirements (e.g. temperature and humidity);
- Packaging (e.g. containers);
Errors in this data can disrupt a delivery or make it significantly more expensive.
How to organise intermodal transport correctly
2. Choose a reliable freight forwarder
A good freight forwarder:
- Is responsible for the entire route;
- Provides 24/7 support and tracking of the shipment;
- Offers a flat rate so you know the cost in advance.
Check the reputation of the freight forwarder: Read reviews, learn about other entrepreneurs' experiences in intermodal transport.
3. Check the documents
For intermodal transport, you usually need:
Lack of at least one document means fines, delays and additional nervousness.
A good freight forwarder:
- Is responsible for the entire route;
- Provides 24/7 support and tracking of the shipment;
- Offers a flat rate so you know the cost in advance.
Check the reputation of the freight forwarder: Read reviews, learn about other entrepreneurs' experiences in intermodal transport.
3. Check the documents
For intermodal transport, you usually need:
- ITD (main route document);
- Waybills;
- Insurance policy (mandatory!);
- Certificate of Origin.
Lack of at least one document means fines, delays and additional nervousness.
Risks and how to avoid them
Intermodal transport can have problems too.
Intermodal transport is like a superhero in the world of logistics, Sargona logisticians said. The main thing is to prepare properly. Everything can be done quickly, cheaply and safely if details are taken care of. It is better to spend time on preparation than to correct mistakes later.
- Delays due to different carriers
- Solution: choose a freight forwarder who will oversee everything.
- limited routes. Solution: make sure the route and timetable are agreed before signing the contract.
- Documents at different stages. Solution: check all the papers before the transport starts.
Intermodal transport is like a superhero in the world of logistics, Sargona logisticians said. The main thing is to prepare properly. Everything can be done quickly, cheaply and safely if details are taken care of. It is better to spend time on preparation than to correct mistakes later.
