Intermodal Freight in the UK
The cargo transport industry is constantly looking for ways to improve and evolve. With fuel and maintenance costs rising, freight companies are looking for innovative ways to reduce expenditure and environmental impact. One of the top methods currently used in the UK is intermodal freight transportation, also known as the intermodal supply chain.
In this guide, you will gain a fundamental understanding of what intermodal freight is, compare it to other methods, plus some of the main pros and cons. We’ll also show you how to get started if you want to move to a new mode of cargo transport. Join us on this exciting journey.
Understanding the key elements of Intermodal Transportation
The UK is blessed with a massive road freight market. In 2023 alone, this industry was responsible for transporting 1.55 billion tonnes of goods in the country. Transport companies have also travelled 19.0 billion kilometres to move these goods, which is a significant achievement on its own. As a matter of fact, 85% of domestic freight transportation took place on the road.
However, many businesses are looking to reduce costs or find new ways to transport light and heavy cargo across land, sky, or sea that doesn’t just involve the road. Here’s a look at the concept and workings of intermodal freight in the UK and internationally.
Why is it called “Intermodal”?
If you’re wondering what intermodal transport is, here’s a quick definition: it’s when a logistics plan uses more than one mode of transport to move cargo and goods from one place to another. That means you might start with trucking on the road, but then you’d drop the items onto a ship for the rest of the journey, for example.
Intermodal vs. Over-The-Road Transport
Over-the-road (OTR) is just a fancy term for road freight, but it’s used when this is the singular mode of transport. That’s when the driver will travel for miles on end, usually from the original warehouse to the final destination. It’s generally the top method used for domestic trips.
Intermodal freight can also use trucks, but then it switches to a different mode at some stage in the journey. For instance, a cargo truck picks up the goods from the warehouse and takes them to a rail station. From there, a train takes it to a new destination to cover a long distance in a shorter time. When it arrives at the final station, a new cargo truck will pick up the items or final delivery.
Are you looking for cargo trucks for your business? Then sign up and test the TIMOCOM Marketplace without any obligation. Our innovative freight exchange makes sure that you work with the best transport partners.
Comparing Intermodal and Multimodal Freight
Sometimes, intermodal and multimodal freight handling is mistaken as the same thing. Yes, they both employ various methods of transportation, but they have some key differences. The main point of departure has to do with the contract or bill of lading. With intermodal freight, you have separate contracts or bills for each mode of transport. Each company is responsible for its own bills and tasks. It is then your task to coordinate with each of them to make sure there are no delays.
When it comes to multimodal transport, there’s only one contract for the bill of lading. The company does all of the work for you and makes sure everything is handled on their side across all modes of transport. You’ll have less control, though, over costs, delays, and overall management, but it does simplify the process.
In some cases, you can deal with companies that have partnered with other logistics or shipping businesses for more cost-effective intermodal freighting. While there will still be different bills of lading, it helps reduce costs while managing the entire process.
Pros and Cons of the Intermodal Model
You may be excited to start your journey with intermodal freighting. If you are, TIMOCOM is ready to assist you. Before you begin, here are some significant pros and cons to consider to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Advantages of Intermodal Freight
- Assists with reducing costs
- Greater management of routes and transport methods
- Standardised containers
- Increases global coverage
- Reduces environmental impact
- More flexibility
- Reduces time to deliver
- Possible reduction of damage/loss
Disadvantages of Intermodal Freight
- Increases the complexity of logistics
- Potential delays in the supply chain
- Dependence on various contracted companies
- Possible load limitations
How to get started with Intermodal Transportation
It’s time to plan your next cargo transportation, and you’re ready to roll! Yet, who do you contact, and how do you determine your specific needs? How do you know who you can trust? What is the best route and transport in the UK at the moment?
With TIMOCOM’s digital platform, all that stress is taken off your hands. Here are the steps you can take to get started.
- Determine Goals and Needs: It’s always best to first sit down and decide what your main focus will be, such as saving costs, faster delivery, sustainability, or cargo type.
- Assess Current Market: With TIMOCOM’s transport barometer you can check the current freight-to-vehicle ratio in the UK and Europe to negotiate better prices or improve your dispatch planning.
- Engage with TIMOCOM: Once you have a better idea of your needs and the current market, feel free to engage with the leading experts in freight to discuss any specific challenges you may have.
- Develop a Customised Solution: From here, you can determine a customised solution for intermodal transport, whether it’s by land, sea, or sky. You can check TIMOCOM’s official freight exchange for the best offers.
- Plan and Optimise Routes: The freight exchange platform also has an integrated route planner and document exchange system. In this way, you can plan the most efficient path for your cargo.
- Find Sustainable Options: If you are interested in environmentally friendly alternatives, check the exchange platform for sustainable solutions. Alternatively, you can speak to one of the agents who can assist you.
- Track in Real Time: One of the top systems offered is shipment live tracking. You won’t have to worry and wonder where the cargo is at any time. Just check on the system for peace of mind.
- Check Value-Added Services: TIMOCOM also offers other services, such as international debt collection. If you’re having issues with delayed payments, this solution offers a cost-effective method to keep you out of legal disputes.
Are you ready to embrace freight transport in the UK?
If you’re ready to haul cargo across borders, it may be time for intermodal freighting. With massive advantages and streamlined processes, it will help you save costs and cut down on time. When you’re ready to look at the road freight options to take your cargo to or from rail, ship, or plane, make use of the TIMOCOM's digital Marketplace to discover the best options.
Tram Trinh Thanh
Marketing Manager Northern Europe
