Explain Intermodal Transportation

Intermodal Transportation

Intermodal transportation is the use of more than one mode of transport to move a shipment to its destination. A variety of intermodal combinations are possible depending upon the type and amount of goods, the time of delivery, the pricing factor, etc. the most common combination is that of the motor carrier and railway.

Intermodal combination of transport has also helped to increase the revenue of each of the modes of transport. On land it has been found that a combination of truck and rail mode of transport offer a better deal in terms of cost and time rather than transport by truck alone. In general, therefore intermodal means of transport helps to bring together different modes of transport to create a price and /or service offering that may not be matched by any single mode transport.

Various Intermodal combinations

Piggyback / railroad

It is a specialized form of containerization in which rail and and road transport co-ordinate. In piggyback, the carrier places the motor carrier trailer on a rail flatcar, which moves the trailer by rail for a long distance. A motor carrier then moves to trailer for short-distance pickups and deliveries.

Containership / Fishy back / trainship :

Containership, Fishy back, trainship and example of the oldest form of intermodal transport. They utilize waterways, which        e of the least expensive modes for product movement. The Fishyback, trainship and containership concept loads a truck trailer, railcar, or container onto a barge or ship for the shipment.

Classification Of Modes

The next table summarizes the fixed-variable cost structure of each mode.