Intermodal transport: history and features

Intermodal transport is the transport of goods in special containers or vehicles. If there is a need to change the types of funds when moving cargo, then it is not processed. This allows you to increase safety and reduce losses and losses, as well as significantly reduce the time spent on transportation.

Intermodal transport allows you to reduce the cost of moving goods on inland routes. In addition, the advantage of them is the possibility of using transport for short distances.

Intermodal and multimodal transport - what is the difference?

In multimodal transportation, the goods are transported by various modes of transport and several carriers. It is also necessary to prepare several sets of accompanying documentation. Practically all today's transportation between the continents is multimodal.

Intermodal transport involves the movement of goods using several types of vehicles, but the responsibility for the cargo lies with one company and one transaction agreement is drawn up.

Historical background

For the first time, intermodal transportation became known in the 18th century, even before the first railways were built. In 1780 the fact of transportation of coal in containers to Great Britain was documented. In the 20 th century, the first containers of closed type were invented. As a rule, they were used for transportation of furniture and used for transportation on cars and by rail.

In the 1920s, the first standards for the production of containers were adopted. They measured 1.5 or 3 meters in size. That is, by modern standards were very small. For their manufacture, mainly wood was used, and they had a curved roof. During World War II, pallets were widely used in the USA for the first time, that is, it became possible to quickly move goods between warehouses, cars, ships and so on. This made it possible to significantly reduce labor costs for intermediate cargo handling and, consequently, to reduce the number of personnel.

Cargo handling

Intermodal transport requires the construction of specialized lifting equipment to move containers between the used transport. If the cargo is transported by means of sea lines, it is required to build an entire infrastructure for its servicing: loading and unloading mechanisms, deep water ports.

Intermodal transport within the continent is mainly carried out by road or rail. In some countries, containers for trucks are loaded in two tiers, which reduces transportation costs.

In intermodal transport, the term "land bridge" is used if the majority of the route lies within the territory of the continent and lies between the sea sections. In this area, rail transport is predominantly used.