International Logistics and Physical

Distribution
Tutorial work
Topic:
Multimodal Transport
GRADE10 August 28th 2014

Students:
Pedro Borbor
Mishelle Paredes
Doménica Taiano
María Belén Rosales
Mirian Villacís
Lecturer:
What is Multimodal transport?
 Multimodal transport is the articulation between different
modes of transport, in order to more rapidly and
effectively transfer operations of materials and goods

 Multimodal transport is that in which it is necessary to use

more than one type of vehicle to transport the goods from
his place of origin to their final destination, but mediating a
single contract of carriage.
• Within this overall framework, we distinguish intermodal
transport (using different types of transport but using a
single measure of load) and combined transport (the
responsibility is assumed by different operators).

 Multimodal transport is effected by a multimodal transport

operator who holds a multimodal transportation contract and
assumes responsibility for complianceas carrier.
 Combined freight transport can be organized in different
ways. In general, trucks cover short distances between the
loading area and the transshipment point respectively
between the place of arrival and the recipient. Long-distance
haulage is conducted by other means of transport such as
train, ship or even plane.
"multimodal transport operator"
(MTO)
 "Multimodal transport
operator' means any person
who on his own behalf or
through another person acting
on his behalf concludes a
multimodal transport contract
and who assumes responsibility
for the performance of the
contract."
The main features of a multimodal
transport are

 The carriage of goods by two or more modes of

transport, under one contract
 One document and one responsible party (MTO) for
the entire carriage who might subcontract the
performance of some
 The terms "combined transport" and "intermodal
transport" are often used to describe the carriage of
goods by two or more modes of transport.
 Therefore, in case of damage or loss, each company will only
bear responsibility for only its own stage in line with the rules
applicable to the transport contract.
 The merits of multimodal
transportation
 Minimizes time loss at trans-shipment points Provides
faster transit of goods
 The faster transit of goods
 Reduces burden of documentation and formalities
 Saves cost The savings in costs
 Reduces cost of exports The inherent advantages of
multimodal transport system will help to reduce the
cost of exports and improve their competitive
position in the international market.
 Origin

 Multimodal transport was developed in connection with

the "container revolution" of the 1960s and 70s.
 The emergence of the container technology and of the
multimodal transport concept came from and facilitated
growing international trade. Trade and transport are
inextricably linked: efficient transport services are a
prerequisite to successfultrading.
 Combined container transport

Regarding combined container transport, standardized

loading units are transshipped along different means of
transport. In doing so, various combinations of land, water,
and air transportation are applied in practice.
 Rolling road
 The rolling road usually describes carriage of whole trucks –
including both tractor and trailer – on low floor trains.
 In this regard, the second alternative that contributes to
additional cost savings is forwarding of trailers without the
tractor as it reduces transport weight and labor costs.
However, this option requires a second tractor at the place
of arrival.
 Roll-on roll-off traffic means the carriage of freight vehicles
on ships over a certaindistance.
 A rarely applied option is LASH-transportation. In the course
of this, an inland water vessel, commonly known as LASH
barge, is carried by the barge carrier – a seagoing vessel.
 Trailer shipment (rail transport of trailers) refers to a
combination of rail and road haulage.
 The introduced multimodal modes of transport basically
combine the flexibility of trucks with economies of scale of
such means of transport that are destined for long-distance
forwarding.
 However, additional handling processes are cost and time
consuming. The benefits of utilizing different means of
transport ideally outweigh or even exceed the expenses.
This mainly depends on the distance to be covered, the
efficiency of transshipment points and the goods to be
conveyed.
 Bibliography

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimodal_transport
 http://www.log4green.eu/index.php/topics/multimod
al-transport
 http://r0.unctad.org/en/subsites/multimod/mt2brf0.ht
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