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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the advantages of intermodal transport?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Combining more efficient modes of transport (rail or sea) over long distances with road transport over short distances can significantly reduce transport costs. For example, rail or sea transport is often cheaper than road transport for long distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rail and sea transport are considered more environmentally friendly because they use less fuel per tonne of goods transported and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than road or air transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Loading goods into standardised containers allows for faster and more efficient handling when transferring between transport modes. It also reduces the risk of damage or theft, as the goods are not handled directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using multiple modes of transport allows access to remote areas where one mode may not be viable on its own. For example, trains cannot reach everywhere, but road transport can make the last mile of delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rail and sea transport can avoid congestion on roadways, leading to more predictable and sometimes shorter transit times for certain international routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secure containers reduce the risk of theft or damage. In addition, rail and sea transport involve fewer accidents compared to road transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Piggyback, fishyback, birdyback – types of intermodal transport<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Piggyback, fishyback and birdyback are intermodal transport concepts that describe how one type of vehicle or container is transported using another mode of transport, each with specific characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Piggyback is rail-road transport, which involves the use of rail and road vehicles in a single supply chain. In this system, a truck with a trailer or semi-trailer, or the trailer itself, will be attached to a pre-established rail transport by installing an interchangeable body at a designated location. Piggyback transport has a number of very important advantages, which make it increasingly used, especially in international logistics operations. Their main advantage is the reduction of costs for long distances, given that rail transport is generally much cheaper than road transport, avoiding road traffic congestion and contributing to the reduction of pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the case of “fishyback” transport, goods are transported in containers or trucks that are loaded onto a ship to be transported by sea. The goods are then unloaded and transported to the final destination by road or rail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of transport is efficient for long distances and large quantities of goods, and involves relatively low costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Birdyback involves the use of aircraft to transport goods over long distances. Containers or trucks are loaded onto cargo planes for part of the route and then transported by road or rail from the airport to the final destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Delivery time is very fast in this case, therefore it is ideal for perishable goods or with fast delivery requirements and for international transport over very long distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Road transport is the most flexible mode of freight transport, as it ensures the movement of goods \u201cfrom door to door\u201d. For many types of goods, it is often the fastest and cheapest way to ship, even over long distances. On average, and in the absence of support measures, intermodal freight transport is 56% more expensive than the road-only alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast to road transport, other modes of transport, such as rail or inland waterways, are slower and less flexible. They also require specific infrastructure, which cannot be replicated at every shipping location. However, one advantage of these modes is that they offer greater safety and better environmental performance and can reduce pressure on congested roads. Intermodality means capitalising on the relative strengths of different modes of transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdvantages of piggyback transport<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the costs of intermodal transport?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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