Freight transport is an essential part of the global economy, and it is essential for this process to be efficient for both international and domestic trade. Consequently, intermodal freight transport has become a key strategy for optimising the supply chain and reducing costs.
Rail transport plays a crucial role in this strategy, which we will explain here.
What is intermodal transport?
Intermodal transport is defined as using two or more different modes of transport in a single end-to-end trip to move goods from their origin to their destination. This approach makes it possible to take advantage of the benefits of each mode of transport, and rail stands out as one of the most efficient and sustainable modes.
Advantages of rail freight transport
Rail transport has several advantages that make it an attractive option for intermodal transport:
Sustainability and energy efficiency
Efficient in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Trains are capable of transporting large amounts of freight with a lower environmental impact compared to lorries. This is crucial at a time when sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint are high on the global agenda.
High load capacity
In addition to being environmentally efficient, rail is known for its ability to transport large volumes of goods in an efficient manner. Goods trains can transport containers and lorry trailers in massive quantities, making them ideal for moving heavy and bulky loads over long distances. This is particularly valuable for intermodal transport, where the combination of several modes of transport may involve long, challenging routes.
Reliability and security of freight transport
Another key advantage of rail transport in the intermodal context is its reliability and predictability. Trains have regular schedules and are less prone to delays due to adverse traffic or weather conditions compared to lorries. This makes for better supply chain planning and reduces the risk of costly disruptions.
International rail connection
Rail transport is also particularly suitable for transporting goods over long distances. In large, geographically vast countries such as the United States, Russia and China, rail may be the most efficient option for connecting distant regions. International rail connections, such as the Trans-Siberian Rail Corridor which links Europe and Asia, also demonstrate the ability of the railways to facilitate global trade.
Intermodality and rail transport
Intermodal transport often combines rail with other modes of transport, such as lorries and ships, to cover all stages of the journey. This integration makes it possible to achieve the flexibility needed to adapt to different logistical needs. For example, a train may carry containers from a port to a distribution centre, where they are then transferred to lorries for final delivery to individual destinations. This synergy between transport modes maximises efficiency and reduces transport costs.
Investment in modern and technologically advanced rail infrastructure is essential for maximising the role of rail transport in intermodal freight transport. This includes upgrading rail tracks, adopting advanced rail traffic management systems and implementing technology for tracking and managing freight. Investment in high-speed rail and double-track rail routes can also increase the efficiency and capacity of rail transport.
Railsider, your rail logistics operator
We have extensive experience in moving goods, and we put it at your disposal, integrating the strengths of the Algeposa Group in maritime transport, Renfe's experience in rail freight transport and our leadership as a logistics operator in Spain.
We are also a logistics and transport company with our own resources capable of meeting all your goods transport and storage needs, both nationally and internationally.