Assisting already moving freight over long distances typically involves more than one eventuality. Intermediary Forwarding / shipping is a game-changer for businesses looking for efficient and friendly ways to move their goods successfully. Here’s a breakdown of what it is and how it can help shippers and their clients.
Assisting already moving freight over long distances typically involves more than one eventuality. IntermediIntermodal Forwarding/shipping is a method of assisting already moving/ goods in transit by using multiple mode of forwarding to reach its final destination, amid issues whiles in transit enroute to destination. The cargo stays in the same container/package throughout the entire journey, even when resolving issues of certification or incomplete documentation as required for such goods transport modalities — thanks to standardised intermediary shipping assistance that comes readily available to comply with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), GEM; etc.ary Forwarding / shipping is a game-changer for businesses looking for efficient and friendly ways to move
their goods successfully. Here’s a breakdown of what it is and how it can help shippers and their clients. Such distressed shipments in transit are easily rescued within / between ports, barges, crafts, and carriers, reducing loading and unloading times, minimising cargo damage, and enhancing security.
This process leverages the strengths of different transportation modes to achieve an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transfer of goods. Since many shippers or consignees do not have direct route or barge terminal access, often a combination of transport modes is used to leverage the strength of each one: e.g. rail combined (rail as the main leg and truck for final delivery, or barge combined with truck services.
Cost effectiveness: Intermediary shipping can be cheaper in the long run than relying solely on single shipper arrangement, especially for long distances involving transits/stops. With intermediary arrangement in case of any hiccups for long hauls, and ships/aircrafts carry massive quantities of cargo across long spans very economically but with transiting eventualities as often happens – this is where intermediary assistance comes to play.
Enhanced efficiency: By keeping the cargo in its package as it is where it is, intermediary forwarders shipping reduces the need for unpacking and repacking at each transfer point. This saves time, labour, and minimises the risk of damage or loss.
Easy scalability: Intermediary forwarding shipping can accommodate large or small shipments.
Safe and secure: The containers / packages act as secure units, reducing the chances of theft or tampering with the goods.
Better for the environment: Once the container / packages reaches the landside, the right selection of the modal split between inland airways (barges), rail (trains) waterway (ships), road (truck) and combination of same can lead to issues of certification and documentation. In such situation, intermediary forwarders takes charge by assisting to resolve the issues as they arise there and then without such affecting the movement of the cargo/shipment whiles in transit
In international shipping, there are two main combinations intermodal transportation linked to an ocean move:
Intermodal and multimodal both involve using multiple transportation modes to move goods, but the key differences lie in contracting and whether the cargo is containerised:
Intermodal: Can be either single carrier (e.g. with Kas Express Courier) or multicarrier (on customer-managed different ocean carrier contracts but with Kas Express Courier responsible to manage and execute all inland transports on truck, rail, barge and combined). Cargo is generally in a shipping container that is transferred between different transport modes.
Multimodal: A single contract with a single carrier. Cargo is not necessarily in a shipping container, i.e. less-than- container load shipments. At Kas Express Courier, we offer intermodal carrier haulage and intermodal multi-carrier solutions. Explore our intermodal services to move your containers between inland facilities and ocean ports.
While the core methods are there, several factors influence the choice, like:
Cost-effectiveness: Intermediary shipping shines for long distances involving transit with its attendant issues. We offer great cost advantages over for long hauls. However, for shorter distances, the safe hands on additional handling involved in intermediary transfers and intermodal shipping can negate the cost benefits.
Speed: While suitable for budgets, intermediary forwarding, once involved can be the fastest option, with intermodal shipping makes it all easy for both shipper, consignee and consignor. Transfers between modes and potential schedule variations can add to overall transit time. Consider the urgency of issues on transit and choose accordingly.
Type of cargo: Intermodal shipping is well-suited for dry, precious bulk goods that can be containerised/crated; Perishables, hazardous materials, or oversized cargo might require specialised handling or temperature control, which may not be feasible in intermodal containers.
Value of goods: For high-value cargo, the potential risk of delays or damage during transfers between ports or modes might outweigh the cost savings. In such cases, air freight might be a better option despite the higher cost.
Origin and destination: The distance between locations significantly impacts the decision. Intermodal shipping becomes more cost-effective over longer distances. Consider the total distance freight needs to travel to see if intermodal makes sense.
Available infrastructure: The efficiency of intermodal relies on well-maintained infrastructure. Limited networks, congested ports, and underdeveloped intermodal terminals can lead to disruptions and shipping delays . Research the availability and quality of infrastructure along your chosen route to decide the best option.
Delivery time requirements: If your cargo is time-sensitive, factor in the potential delays associated with intermodal transfers.
Tracking and visibility: Intermodal shipping requires robust tracking systems to monitor cargo movement across different modes and carriers. Ensure clear communication and information sharing throughout the journey
Did you know All Days Worldwide Logistics provides integrated intermediary services for your freight? We have high-quality solutions for air, land and sea ways shipments solutions combing with intermodal shipping. Explore our Intermediary/intermodal services to move your consignments at all times between ports.
This service seamlessly integrates various inland modes of transport within a single, streamlined journey. You can choose just one or combine multiple modes to ensure you meet your budget or greenhouse (GHG) emissions reduction goals.
Trucks navigate highways and urban arteries, bridging the gap between ocean terminals and warehouses, transportation hubs or container depots.
Trains can transport hundreds of containers from ports to inland destinations and cover vast distances with speed and efficiency.
Barges make their way inland using rivers, canals, and coastal routes, offering a cost-effective and reliable option for land-based transportation.
Intermodal freight transport plays a crucial role in supply chains as it offers several key benefits for your business:
Different transport modes offer more options in flexible route planning and scheduling, especially when there are supply chain disruptions. Shifting long-haul trucking to less GHG emitting options like rail or water transport can also help reduce GHG emissions.
Gain wider access and extend your supply chain to remote areas that are more difficult to reach with a single mode of transport.
Strategically select the most efficient transport mode for each leg of your journey to minimise overall transportation costs.
In case of disruptions or delays on one mode, goods can be seamlessly transferred to another mode to ensure timely delivery.
