Multimodal transport system

Internally integrated transport system, providing for the carriage of goods including associated services at using at least two different modes of transport under a single contract of carriage. The transport agreement concluded by the multimodal transport operator, assume full responsibility for the implementation of the delivery of the goods.

Objectives of multi-modal transportation system

• Minimization of transport costs
• Minimize the transport time
• Optimization of transportation of goods from producer to consumer.

Implementation of the objectives of the multi-modal transport system requires the use of both standardized loading units, and traffic and transport measures for harmonized transport nodes Standardization is also needed in the field of providing transport hubs and, especially, equipment, and cargo.

The transport process solutions

Multi-modal transport systems vary greatly in scope and structure of the services offered. Usually there are two system solutions. In the first cycle containing only transport operator takes over its responsibilities from taking the container to the unload stage. In the second approach the transport cycle is fused with the cycle of rotation of the container. The operator apart from the tasks that make up the transport, provide additional services such as filling, emptying and transferring container.

The multimodal transport system organization

A multimodal transportation system is one in which multiple modes of transportation, such as buses, trains, and cars, are integrated to provide convenient and efficient travel options for individuals. The organization of a multimodal transportation system typically involves a combination of government planning and private enterprise.

• Government Planning: The government is responsible for creating policies and regulations that support the development of a multimodal transportation system. This can include funding for infrastructure projects, such as building and maintaining public transportation systems, and providing incentives for the use of alternative modes of transportation.
• Private Enterprise: Private companies operate many of the transportation options within a multimodal system, such as buses and trains. They also provide services such as ride-sharing, bike-sharing and car-sharing. These companies often work with government agencies to coordinate services and ensure that they complement one another.
• Coordination: A key aspect of a successful multimodal transportation system is the coordination of services and infrastructure between different modes of transportation. This can include the integration of fare systems, the provision of real-time information, and the creation of transfer points where different modes of transportation connect.
• Accessibility: A multimodal system should be accessible to all groups of people, regardless of their mobility, age or socioeconomic status.
• Sustainability: A multimodal system should be designed to minimize the environmental impact and to reduce the overall dependence on fossil fuels.

Overall, a well-organized multimodal transportation system provides a variety of convenient and efficient travel options, and helps to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and support sustainable development.

Examples of Multimodal transport system

• Air-Ocean: Air-ocean transport system is the most common type of multimodal transport system. It includes the combined use of air and ocean transportation, which is often used for international routes. In this method, goods are first transported from the origin port to the designated airport by sea, and then from the airport to the destination port by air. This system is most commonly used to transport goods from one continent to another.
• Rail-Road: This type of multimodal transport system involves merging the use of rail and road transportation. In this system, goods are transported from the origin to the railway station by road, and then from the station to the destination by rail. This system is mainly used to transport goods within a single country, especially for long distances.
• Road-Sea: In this type of multimodal transport system, goods are transported from the origin to the port by road and then from the port to the destination by sea. This system is mainly used for international transportation, as it is most cost-effective and provides the flexibility of both land and sea transportation.

Advantages of Multimodal transport system

Multimodal transport system offers many advantages for transport operators and customers alike. The main advantages are as follows:

• Cost efficiency - by combining various modes of transport (e.g. road, rail and sea) to deliver goods, transport operators can reduce costs compared to using a single mode of transport.
• Improved flexibility - the use of multiple modes of transport allows for the goods to be delivered faster, more efficiently and with more flexibility, as they can be moved between different modes of transport to ensure prompt delivery.
• Less risk of damage - as each part of the journey is completed by a different mode of transport, the risk of damage is reduced compared to using a single mode of transport.
• Reduced paperwork - because the transport operator is responsible for the entire journey, there is no need for customers to process paperwork for each part of the journey. This can save time and money.
• Improved customer service - by providing a single point of contact for the entire journey, customers can be assured of a reliable and efficient service.

Limitations of Multimodal transport system

The limitations of multimodal transport system include:

• Increased complexity of administration due to the involvement of multiple international and regional transport companies, as well as the need to coordinate the different stages of the transport process.
• Higher costs associated with multiple stages of transportation of goods.
• Limited availability of specialized services which may be required when transporting certain types of goods.
• Increased risk of delays and disruptions due to the involvement of multiple transport companies, as well as the need to coordinate the different stages of the transport process.
• Difficulties in tracking and tracing goods during the transport process, due to the need to monitor and control multiple stages of the supply chain.
• Restrictions on the size and weight of goods that can be transported due to the need to transfer them between different transport companies.
• Limited flexibility in terms of routes and schedules, due to the need to coordinate the different stages of the transport process.

Other approaches related to Multimodal transport system

A Multimodal transport system is an integrated system that combines at least two different modes of transport to provide a single contract of carriage. Other approaches related to this system include:

• Intermodal transport - the transport of goods through the use of multiple modes of transport, such as rail, road, air, and water, but with the same operator taking responsibility for the carriage.
• Multimodal freight transport - the transportation of goods through the use of multiple modes of transport, but with different operators taking responsibility for each mode.
• Consolidated freight transport - the shipping of goods through multiple modes of transport, with the same operator taking responsibility for the entire journey.
• Logistical integration - the coordination of multiple modes of transport to optimize the delivery of goods.

In summary, a Multimodal transport system is an integrated system that combines at least two different modes of transport to provide a single contract of carriage. Other related approaches include intermodal, multimodal, consolidated and logistical integration.

Multimodal transport system — recommended articles

Container depot — Outbound logistics — Transit shipment — Door to door service — Logistics service providers — Transloading — Internal transport system — Logistics — Shared services center

References

• Banomyong, R., & Beresford, A. K. (2001). Multimodal transport: the case of Laotian garment exporters. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 31(9), 663-685.