MULTIMODA TRANSPORT

Definition of Multimodal Transportation
•Multimodal cargo transportation is the movement of cargo using more than one mode of transportation in a   continuous, seamless journey, under one contract, using one consignment document
•After the goods are loaded in a “multimodal equipment” at the beginning of the journey, they travelled across multiple transport modes (motor, rail, water and air) without any further handling of the goods inside until the goods reached the intended destination.

Multimodal Transport System

 

A multimodal transport system integrates different geographical scales from the global to the local. With the development of new modal and intermodal infrastructure, urban regions have a growing accessibility to the international market; several parameters of regional transportation are transformed, or at least significantly modified. The above figure represents the regulation of movements of a corridor within a multimodal transportation system composed of a set of competing hub centers where converge regional and local transportation networks. Depending on the geographical scale being considered, the regulation of flows is coordinated at the local level by distribution centers, commonly composed of a single transport terminal, or at the global level by articulation points, composed of major transport terminals and related activities.

An articulation point can simultaneously have a modal and intermodal convergence of functions; particularly if it is the interface between several modes. Its modal function relates to its while its intermodal function indicates its level of service. The regional multimodal network converges at major articulation points allowing linkages with the international transportation system through a maritime / land interface. Port cities are the main agent of that function. Containerization has particularly developed the maritime / land interface. It insures flexibility of shipments and several ports have opted for this multimodal transportation technology to keep and consolidate their status of hub center.

Development of Multimodal Transportation
•Concept started in the early twentieth century for the movement of circus
•Development of TOFC, swap bodies in the 1970s and 1980s
•Surge in US multimodal transportation after deregulation
•Globalization, oil price surge, energy conservation, pollution reduction drove rapid growth
•Double stack and large domestic containers in US propels multimodal efficiency

Modal Choice Criteria Multimodal Transport
•Cost
•Speed
•Cargo value, security and safety
•Route
•Complexity, management intensity
•Equipment availability
•Cargo characteristics (e.g. durability, size, perishability, inherent danger)
•Difference in border management process (e.g. rail shipments generally have less border delays, used extensively in US/MEX transport).


Multimodal Network
Transportation systems with a number of modes can be seen from two different conceptual
perspectives:
- Intermodal Transportation Network: a logistic system which is connected to two or more
modes. Each mode has a service characteristic which generally enables goods (or
passengers) to move to another existing mode in one trip from origin to destination.
- Multimodal Transportation Network: a set of transport modes which provide connection
from origin to destination. Even if intermodal transportation can be applied, this is not
compulsory.

(a) Multimodal Transportation Network (b) Intermodal Transportation Network
Figure 1. Description of Multi and Intermodal Transportation
(Soure: Rodrigue and Comtois, 2004)


Figure 1 shows the difference between intermodal transportation network and multimodal
transportation network. These two principles can be the base of efficient transportation
development. In the eyes of national transportation, if efficiency is desired, then ideally in the
future multimodal transportation network will be developed based on intermodal transport.