Combined shipping is a method of transport that uses a combination of different means of transport to transport cargo.
This involves the simultaneous use of ships, trains, trucks, or aircraft to transport cargo from one origin to one destination. This method is possible with the help of numerous and different transport networks around the world.
Multimodal transport is a combination of different means of transport that is carried out in order to facilitate the movement of cargo, that is, to make the shipment of cargo faster and more efficient. In other words, combined transport is the movement of goods from one country to another by at least two different transport methods (for example, two sea and two road methods). It is noteworthy that this type of transport is under the contract and responsibility of a single company or forwarder.
There are several definitions of combined transport, in other words, multimodal transport is basically an international combination of transport by different modes of transport such as ship, rail, truck, aircraft, etc., which is mainly carried out through the use of containers. It should be noted that combined transport is one of the most common methods of maritime transport, which is very widely used due to its high flexibility in transporting commercial cargo.
It should be noted that during combined transport, the loading unit is usually a container that is transferred between different modes of transport.
A variety of international transport methods also play a role in the field of global trade, such as sea freight from China, land transport, rail transport and air transport. However, the combination of these methods in the transportation industry has made the shipment of cargo and the movement of goods more effective and efficient.
∴ Benefits of Combined Transport
With the development of global trade, combined transport has managed to find a great place in the transportation industry and has paved the way for international trade for governments and businessmen. The importance of this issue stems from some of the benefits of combined transport, some of which we have mentioned below:
1- High flexibility and the ability to choose the best transportation method for each part of the route
2- Increasing the speed of goods transportation time
3- Reducing transportation costs
4- Increasing the safety and security of goods
5- Better protection of goods during transportation
6- Saving time (reducing goods transit time and reducing administrative paperwork)
7- Concluding a single contract with a shipping company or forwarder and ultimately reducing the responsibility of customers and goods owners
8- Reducing environmental pollution
Using combined shipping can help optimize transportation time and cost, because different means with different time trees and costs are used.
For example, shipping may be cost-effective for long distances and high-volume cargo movements, while using trains or trucks for local and short-distance transport may be optimal.
Other benefits of combined shipping include reduced environmental pollution, improved economic efficiency, and conservation of natural resources. This method allows shipping companies to use the best means of transport for each leg of the journey based on specific needs.
∴ Difference between multimodal transport and intermodal transport
The movement of goods (in a loading unit or a vehicle) by successive transport methods without moving the goods themselves when changing modes is called intermodal transport. It should be noted that the vehicle can be a road or rail vehicle or a ship.
The biggest difference between multimodal and intermodal transport is in the reloading and distribution or non-distribution of goods when transferring from one mode of transport to another. If the transport is carried out by several vehicles but without opening the container, it is called intermodal. On the other hand, if the container is opened and the contents in the container are unloaded and reloaded, then transferred by another mode of transport, it is called multimodal or combined transport.
Sea transport is one of the most common methods of international transport that has a special place in the transport mix and is one of the most important communication routes in multimodal transport.
∴ Features of combined transport
The basic features of multimodal or combined transport are:
Two or more modes of transport are used to transport the goods.
The entire transport is under a single contract that does not prevent the existence of other subcontractors.
One party, usually called the multimodal transport carrier, is responsible for the entire transport.
Container units are the best method for implementing combined transportation, and with their presence in the transportation industry, sending commercial cargo to different parts of the world has become possible and less expensive than other methods. In this regard, read the following articles.
∴ Factors affecting the cost of combined transportation
The cost of combined transportation is determined depending on various factors such as distance, transportation by land, sea, air, type of cargo, weight of cargo, size of cargo, type of vehicle, speed of movement, etc.
Other factors such as the cost of gasoline and diesel, the cost of vehicle maintenance and repairs, the cost of cargo packaging, the cost of loading and unloading cargo, the cost of international transportation insurance, and employee salaries also affect the cost of combined transportation.
∴ Final Words
Transportation networks are responsible for delivering final goods and services, as well as the required inputs for production, from the points of supply to consumers and demanders. In the meantime, the combination of transportation, the combined transportation method, has provided an ideal opportunity for global trade, given its advantages over other transportation methods.
On the other hand, Iran’s geographical and strategic location is unique for being on the route of multimodal transport, while the security of Iran’s route for the passage of commercial cargoes is the basis for the development of combined transportation. Therefore, Darya Zamin Arvand Shipping Company provides a variety of maritime and combined transportation services.
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