Particularly over long distances, the cost per kilometre with intermodal transport is lower than with pure road transport. CO₂ emissions are also considerably lower thanks to the use of rail and waterways. And the solution is less dependent on driver shortages and congestion.
Intermodal transport
Economical, fast and high-quality intermodal transport.
Intermodal transport, also referred to as intermodal freight transport or intermodal shipping, is a sustainable way of moving goods by combining different transport modes without changing the load unit in between. The container or trailer stays the same throughout the journey; only the mode of transport changes. As an intermodal transport specialist, KLG Europe helps organisations operate more sustainably and cost-effectively through reliable logistics solutions across Europe and beyond.
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What is intermodal transport?
The defining feature of intermodal transport is the unchanged load unit. The container or trailer moves from truck to train to vessel without the contents being touched. This principle is what sets this form of combined freight transport apart from other solutions.
Standardised load units such as 20ft and 40ft containers, semi-trailers, swap bodies and reefer units are designed for exactly this purpose: they fit every mode of transport and are transferred at terminals without any additional handling.
How does intermodal freight transport work?
An intermodal transport chain consists of three distinct phases. The first mile begins with road transport: collection from the sender. The main haul covers the longest distance by rail or vessel. The last mile delivers the cargo by truck to its final destination. What makes this chain so effective is not just the combination of modes, but the transfer at terminals and ports such as Rotterdam and Constanța, where containers are moved from one mode of transport to another.
Benefits of intermodal transport
This form of combined transport offers key advantages for businesses looking to optimise their logistics:
Less handling, less risk: Because goods remain in the same load unit, the risk of damage or loss is significantly reduced.
More sustainable transport: The use of rail and waterways substantially lowers CO₂ emissions compared to road transport alone.
Cost savings: Over long distances, transport costs are lower thanks to better utilisation of rail and waterway capacity.
Reliability: Stable schedules and less dependence on road congestion ensure predictable transit times.
Less traffic pressure: Fewer trucks on the road means relief for busy routes.
Key considerations for intermodal transport
This approach does come with a few considerations. At terminals, transhipment of containers or trailers can add extra time. In addition, combined transport is less flexible than full road transport and depends on infrastructure and available capacity. KLG Europe ensures tight planning and monitoring to minimise these risks.
Intermodal transport within Europe
Within Europe, this form of transport is a key solution for long-distance freight. The infrastructure of terminals, rail connections, seaports, inland ports and transhipment points is well developed and continues to grow. European destinations can often be reached via intermodal connections within 24 to 72 hours. KLG Europe has an extensive network and years of experience on the major European corridors.
Options to Italy, Spain and Poland
n several European corridors, combined rail and road transport is particularly well established.
Transport to Italy benefits from reliable rail connections, including in mountainous areas where road transport is more challenging and costly. For Spain, this approach offers a solution that is less dependent on driver availability, with better planning and predictability over long distances. Poland plays a central role as a logistics hub in Europe, with strong connections to Western Europe and a growing network of terminals that facilitates distribution across Central and Eastern Europe.
Yes. Through groupage and LTL, smaller shipments are consolidated and transported in a single container. This makes intermodal transport a cost-effective solution for smaller volumes as well.
Groupage, LTL and FTL in intermodal transport
Combined transport is suitable for a wide range of cargo types. With groupage and LTL (Less than Truckload), smaller shipments are consolidated and transported cost-effectively. With FTL (Full Truck Load), an entire load is transported faster and more directly with minimal handling. This flexibility makes the solution applicable to businesses of varying sizes and with different logistics needs.
Capacity and scalability
Due to increasing pressure on road transport, driver shortages and congestion, combined transport by rail and water is gaining importance. Rail and waterway capacity is being better utilised, dependence on drivers is decreasing and the solution scales with growth. For businesses looking to grow without running into capacity constraints, intermodal transport is a solid choice. KLG Europe responds to this with a network and planning aligned with today's demand.
1300 Number of employees
17 Number of branches
300 Own trucks
1.350.000 Shipments per year
Sustainability goals
Combined transport by rail and water contributes to lower CO₂ and NOx emissions and better utilisation of infrastructure. Within Europe, subsidies are available for this form of transport and EU directives encourage its further rollout. KLG Europe is happy to support you in this. Want to learn more about our sustainability vision?
Intermodal and multimodal transport
Intermodal and multimodal transport are related concepts with one important distinction. In intermodal transport, goods remain in the same load unit, with the focus on avoiding transhipment. In multimodal transport, a single orchestrating party manages the entire process, with greater flexibility in the choice of transport modes. In practice, both solutions complement each other, and KLG Europe advises on which approach best suits your situation.
Customs & related services
For international combined transport, proper documentation is essential. KLG Europe provides support with customs formalities, transit documents and import and export processes, ensuring your shipment passes through all procedures without delay.
Why KLG Europe?
KLG Europe is a specialist in intermodal transport with decades of logistics experience and a well-established network. We provide full end-to-end service, combining expertise, our network and our distinctive, personal approach to optimise your logistics.
Looking to make your transport more sustainable and efficient through intermodal solutions? Contact our specialists or request a no-obligation price indication today.
Via intermodal connections, most European destinations can be reached from the Netherlands within 24 to 72 hours. The exact transit time of course depends on the destination and the chosen combination of transport modes.
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