/en/lp/blog/logistics/2024/ocean-intermodal-freight-logistics
The Power of Integration: Benefits of Combining Ocean and Intermodal Freight
14/03/2024
In today's rapidly evolving global economy, efficient and cost-effective freight transportation is essential for businesses to thrive. One approach that has gained significant traction over several years is the integration of ocean and intermodal freight. This strategic combination of transportation methods can improve supply chain efficiency, help reduce costs, enhance sustainability, and extend your overall market reach.
These advantages have not only revolutionised the logistics landscape but also made taking a combined approach an extremely attractive strategy for businesses involved in international trade.
For global freight transport, ensuring the continuous movement of your cargo is critical, and occasionally ocean shipping isn’t enough. There are several combinations of ocean and intermodal transportation methods, including rail-ship, truck-ship, and ship-rail-truck solutions that can help create a seamless and cost-effective supply chain minimise transit times and environmental impact.
Depending on the region, and final destination, businesses may find themselves in a position where they also need to utilise other intermodal transportation methods. Common types of these inland transportation solutions include:
Truck-rail
Ideal for long-distance transportation, cargo is initially transported by trucks before being loaded onto trains for the long-haul journey. The cargo is then re-loaded onto trucks for final delivery.
Barge-rail
This intermodal solution combines the use of barges and trains to ensure end-to-end delivery of your freight.
Rail-truck-rail
Involving two rail legs, cargo is transported by train before being loaded onto a truck for a short distance. The final stage of the journey is completed by rail. This intermodal transportation method can be more efficient for locations not directly served by rail.
There are several advantages to combining intermodal freight and ocean transportation, including:
Cost efficiency
Integrating ocean and intermodal freight allows for a more efficient use of resources. Containers can seamlessly transfer from ocean freight transport to trains or trucks and reducing operational costs. Equally, by using existing rail and road networks for the overland portion of the journey, businesses can avoid significant infrastructure investments.
Ocean freight can also accommodate massive cargo volumes, which often leads to lower shipping costs per unit compared to other transportation modes. Combining it with intermodal freight leverages these cost advantages.
Improved sustainability and reduced environmental impact
Combining ocean and intermodal freight encourages a modal shift away from purely road freight transportation, which can help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution.
Similarly, intermodal solutions, particularly rail freight transport, are inherently more environmentally friendly than long-haul trucking. By using trains for overland segments of the journey, your overall carbon emissions are significantly reduced.
Enhanced reliability
Ocean transportation can be subject to unavoidable weather-related delays, so having multiple modes of transportation at your disposal ensures that in instances where delays are possible, disruption to your business is minimal.
Improved transit times
While ocean shipping covers vast distances efficiently, combining it with intermodal transportation solutions only enhances your transit times and reduce overall delivery times.
Similarly, intermodal freight often includes door-to-door delivery options, making it a convenient choice for businesses and customers alike.
Increased flexibility
Changing market conditions and unexpected challenges are easier to navigate with an integrated freight strategy, as businesses can quickly adjust routes or modes of transport as necessary. This helps keep your cargo moving in an uninterrupted manner.
Ultimately, businesses that embrace a combined approach can gain a competitive advantage by optimising their supply chain, reducing costs, and enhancing their overall efficiency in the global marketplace.
Seamless Success: Broadening Business Opportunities with Ocean and Intermodal Freight Fusion
As inland logistics continue to evolve, the synergy between ocean and intermodal freight is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation.
Because of this, it’s crucial for businesses to begin integrating the two for long term efficient freight transportation and business growth.
Seamless Success: Broadening Business Opportunities with Ocean and Intermodal Freight Fusion
As inland logistics continue to evolve, the synergy between ocean and intermodal freight is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation.
Because of this, it’s crucial for businesses to begin integrating the two for long term efficient freight transportation and business growth.
Ultimately, ocean freight combined with intermodal transport allows businesses to access remote and landlocked areas efficiently. This can open new markets and opportunities, encouraging business growth and expansion.
A further reason for businesses to consider combining ocean and intermodal freight transportation is the enhanced reputation this flexibility offers. In instances where a port is affected by adverse conditions, cargo can be rerouted inland to another port with minimal disruptions. Equally, if there are issues with rail or road transportation, having multiple modes of transportation at your disposal means that shipments can be transitioned from one form of transportation to another. This helps ensure the cargo onboard is delivered on time and safely, which builds up a positive reputation for your company in the eyes of your target audience.
Ask MSC
Here at MSC, we provide ocean, intermodal, and inland solutions, as well as consultation and advice on all your freight shipping requirements. Contact us today to find out more.
