What is the difference between intermodal and multimodal transport?

 

The concepts "intermodal transport" and "multimodal transport" are often used interchangeably on a daily basis, without many people really understanding their meaning or if there is any difference between the two.

Intermodal transport is the movement of freight from one point to another through several modes of transport, each of which has a different supplier and an independent contract. Several carriers are therefore contacted to make the same trip through several modes of transport.

Multimodal transport is the movement of freight from one point to another through several modes of transport, each of which has a different supplier, but under a single contract. A single carrier is therefore contacted to make a single trip across several modes of transport.

In simple terms, the two concepts have the same terminology, but the difference remains in the contract and the responsibility for transport.

Intermodal Freight

Multimodal
Freight
Mode of transport Several Several
Suppliers Several Single
Transport contract Several Single
Responsible for transportation Several Single

 

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