What is a Multimodal Transport Operator? Understanding its Definition and Role

Most shippers pick from a wide range of shipping and transportation options to help them transfer their goods across the globe. Most of the time, just one type of transport will be enough to move your goods from one place to another. However, sometimes, your goods may require transportation via land, sea, and air to reach their destination. At such times, you will have to resort to different means of transport to deliver your goods. Shipping products through a combination of transportation options is referred to as multimodal transport. A competent multimodal transport operator is a person who handles all the different aspects of multimodal transport. They handle the transportation of goods via the different modes of transportation and ensure the goods reach their destination safely.

Types of Transport Used by Multimodal Operators

There are different types of transport that multimodal operators may use to transport goods. Listed below are a few:

Road Transport

Road transport is the most common form of multimodal transport. It can help move cargo as well as passengers between two points on land. Road transport can help connect warehouses, goods depots, and business centers to airports, seaports, and other land transport hubs. They help connect almost all corners of the country across most international land borders. 

Rail Transport

Rail transport is another common mode of multimodal transport. It can be used to move passengers and freight from one place to another. Several rail cars use powerful engines to haul large quantities of cargo over a long distance. You can transport almost any type of cargo by rail, including fuel oils, coal, ores, food grains, cement, gases, and other items. However, since trains travel on a fixed track, they will follow a fixed route and will require the necessary infrastructure to operate smoothly.

Sea Transport

Ocean or sea transport is said to account for almost 80% of the world’s cargo. Sea transport includes ships, boats, barges, and supertankers that move freight over oceans and waterways. You can transport goods in boxes, pallets, or barrels over the sea. Sea transport is highly cost-effective and can be extremely beneficial for moving bulk cargo and heavy loads.

Air Transport

Air transport is a fast mode of transport. However, the infrastructure costs are high with this type of transport, and hence, the cost to cargo and passengers is high as well. Air transport is ideal for transporting high-value and perishable items over long distances. Temperature-controlled warehouses and innovative packing techniques help keep the goods fresh. Most freight carriers will use dry ice in the packing to maintain the freshness of the items while in transit.

How Can Multimodal Transport Operators Help Businesses?

Opting for multimodal transport operators can be highly beneficial for you and your business. Listed below are different ways in which multimodal transport can help your business:

Easy Communication

It is always easier to communicate with a single entity than with multiple operators. A multimodal transport operator will coordinate the transport of the goods across the various modes of transport. You will just have to speak to the multimodal operator. Any updates in transport schedules like early arrivals or delays will be conveyed to you by the multimodal transport operator.

Time-Saving

Usually, the multimodal transport operator has years of experience in the industry and is an expert in the business. They will be aware of the quickest and easiest ways of moving goods from one place to another. They will have a wide range of contacts and access to transport officials who will make it easy to move the cargo from one location to another in the shortest time possible. In addition, the multimodal transport operator will handle any transport formalities like customs and port clearance and the arrangement of laborers. As a result, you will be able to save a lot of time. 

Cost-Efficient

Multimodal transport requires different types of transport infrastructure and the experience to handle it. Multimodal transport operators are cost-effective as they will be able to pick the right form of transport for your goods. This way, they will ensure your goods follow all required regulations, have the right paperwork, and reach their destination in the best of shape, saving you a lot of money.

Stress-Free

When you hire a multimodal transport operator, you will have to deal with just one company throughout the shipping process. As a result, you will be able to streamline your company’s supply chain by partnering with a single carrier to handle all your cargo. This means you won’t have to worry about coordinating with different operators and can focus on other aspects of your business stress-free.

You must be aware of the various options you have when it comes to shipping goods across locations. Hiring companies like MX Solutions can help you choose from various transport options for your goods. Their services are cost-effective, and their experienced team will ensure your goods are delivered safely and in a timely manner.