Intermodal transport

How does intermodal freight transport work?

An intermodal transport chain consists of three identifiable phases. The first mile starts with road transport: collection from the shipper. The main transport covers the greatest distance by train or ship. The last mile delivers the cargo by truck to the final destination. What makes this chain strong is not only the combination of modes but the transfer in terminals and ports such as Rotterdam and Constanța, where containers are moved from one mode of transport to another.

• More sustainable transport: Using rail and water significantly reduces CO₂ emissions compared with road transport alone. 

• Cost savings: Over long distances transport costs are lower thanks to better utilisation of rail and water capacity. 

• Reliability: Stable schedules and less dependence on road congestion provide predictable lead times. 

• Less traffic pressure: Fewer trucks on the road means relief for busy routes.

Considerations for intermodal transport

This approach has some considerations. At terminals, transshipment moments for the container or semi-trailer can add extra time. In addition, combined transport is less flexible than full road transport and depends on infrastructure and available capacity. KLG Europe provides tight planning and monitoring to minimise these risks. 

Intermodal transport within Europe

Within Europe, this form of transport is an important solution for long-distance transport. The infrastructure of terminals, rail connections, seaports, inland ports and transshipment points is well developed and continues to grow. European destinations are often reachable via intermodal connections within 24 to 72 hours. KLG Europe has an extensive network and years of experience on the main European corridors.

Options to Italy, Spain and Poland

On several European corridors, combined transport by rail and road is particularly well represented.  

Transport to Italy benefits from reliable rail connections, including in mountainous areas where road transport is more difficult and expensive. For Spain, this approach offers a solution that is less dependent on driver capacity, with better planning and predictability on long routes. 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 in Central and Eastern Europe.

Groupage, LTL and FTL within intermodal transport

Combined transport is suitable for a wide range of cargo types. In groupage and LTL, Less than Truckload, smaller shipments are cost-effectively combined. With FTL, Full Truck Load, it refers to a full load that is transported faster and more directly with minimal handling. This flexibility makes the solution applicable to companies of various sizes with different logistical needs.

Capacity and scalability

Due to increasing pressure on road transport, the driver shortage and congestion on the roads, combined transport by rail and water is becoming more important. Rail and water capacity is used more efficiently, dependence on drivers decreases and the solution scales with growth. For companies that want to grow without getting stuck on capacity issues, intermodal transport offers a solid choice. KLG Europe addresses this with a network and planning that are aligned with current demand.

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.

• 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.

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.

Sustainability goals

Combined rail and water transport 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. Would you like to know what our sustainability vision is? 

Customs & related matters

With international combined transport, correct documentation is a requirement. KLG Europe supports with customs formalities, transit documents, import and export processes, so that your shipment passes through all procedures without delay. Do you need advice on this in advance? 

Want to know more about intermodal transport?

KLG Europe is a specialist in intermodal transport with decades of logistics experience and a strong network. We provide full door-to-door support. We also combine expertise, our network and that unique, personal approach to optimise your logistics. 

Would you like to make your transport more sustainable and optimise it with intermodal transport? Contact our specialists or request a non-binding price estimate directly

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.