Multimodal transportations represent the transport of goods using only one transport document, with the participation of at least two types of transport as carriers. The shipper is freed from the need to transfer cargo from the first transport to the second, while concluding a separate agreement with each carrier. Abroad, this type of transportation is also called multimodal. This type was offered only in the seventies, and before that all companies were engaged exclusively in single-species transportation. Now services in this area are aimed at the needs of the cargo.
The operator of multimodal transportation of goods is the main figure in the implementation of transportation, that is, a person concluding a multimodal transportation agreement either acts on his own behalf as a party to the agreement or represents the interests of the consignor, however, in any case, he assumes responsibility for the execution of the agreement. Operators can be of two types: the former have their own transport, and the latter do not. Usually, forwarders act in this capacity, however, there may be carriers, especially when you consider how closely interconnected transport and forwarding services are in the activities of forwarders and carriers.
Multimodal transportations are more complicated in comparison with transportations fragmented by mode of transport. However, they are much easier for customers, since the sender and receiver of the goods works with one operator offering a range of services. Clients do not need to negotiate with the operators of each individual type of transport, as well as carriers that work along the entire chain.
Multimodal transport is legally regulated by transport charters and codes. Transportation is carried out according to the general scheme for all types of transport. The consignor of cargo concludes an agreement with the first carrier for the entire transportation, after which he receives a copy of a special bill of lading. The second copy will accompany the cargo throughout the investigation.
International multimodal transportation is transportation using at least two types of transport, for example, it can be sea and road. This method of transporting goods with a high degree of efficiency is applicable for the delivery of goods to almost anywhere in the world. With this type of transportation, it is necessary to involve various types of equipment in the process, both rail and sea cranes, an individual logistic scheme that will be developed for each individual route.
The main advantages of this type of transportation are:
- short delivery times, as there is no need to prepare vehicles, taking into account the ramification of the road infrastructure, which allows to obtain the optimal result;
- versatility - almost any type of cargo can be delivered, among which there are also dangerous and oversized;
- efficiency - it is assumed that there is a wide range of modes of transport that provides the possibility of forming a consignment of cargo of arbitrary volumes, the transportation of which will be carried out as necessary.
Multimodal transportation is a type of transportation in which the participation of specialists is supposed to draw up a transportation scheme. The guarantee of high-quality and efficient work is the competent preparation of documentation, legal support, as well as the correct packaging of goods.
At its core, multimodal transport is a complex service that is currently being provided by many companies with qualified specialists. The sender no longer needs to care about the competence of specialists.