Intermodal terminal with containers transferred between modes
Transport solutions

Multimodal transport, under a single contract

Road, rail, sea and air combined on one journey, with one operator responsible and one transport document

Cost vs single-mode
up to −30%
CO₂ emissions
−40…70%
Contract and document
1
  • Four combinable modes
  • Single FBL document
  • Single liability
  • Cargo stays in its unit
Get a multimodal quote

Which combination do you need?

What matters more

Pick the origin and destination countries to see the right combination of modes.

Multimodal transport · Europe and intercontinental

What a multimodal journey looks like

The cargo leaves the production site by truck for the port, is loaded into a sea container and crosses by sea, and on arrival reaches its final destination by rail. Three modes, one journey.

The cargo stays in the same loading unit throughout — a container or swap-body — and is not unloaded between modes. Less handling means fewer chances of damage.

Modes per journey
2+
Unloadings between modes
0
Single document
FBL
  • Consolidation and unpacking
  • Real-time tracking
  • Customs formalities
  • Lower carbon footprint
Containers ready for transfer between transport modes

What we cover

What a multimodal shipment includes

The complexity stays with us; you have one point of contact.

A single contract

One multimodal transport document, an FBL or equivalent, covers every leg and replaces the CMR note, the sea bill of lading and the air waybill.

Single liability

One operator answers for the whole chain, even where legs are subcontracted. You do not have to work out which carrier, on which leg, is responsible.

Lower cost

Combining modes can cut cost by up to 30% against single-mode transport, particularly over long distances.

Reduced emissions

Moving the long legs to rail or sea cuts CO₂ emissions by 40 to 70%.

Consolidation and unpacking

We can consolidate cargo from several sources before departure and unpack it at destination, on request.

Customs formalities

We handle the customs documents and procedures along the route, and the single document simplifies the customs side too.

How it works

The journey, leg by leg

Every change of mode transfers the loading unit, it does not handle the cargo.

  1. 01

    Road collection

    A truck picks the cargo up from the production site and takes it to the departure terminal or port.

  2. 02

    Loading into the unit

    The cargo goes into a container or swap-body, the unit is sealed and stays that way until destination.

  3. 03

    The long leg

    Sea or rail, depending on the route. This is where the cost and emissions savings come from.

  4. 04

    Terminal transfer

    On arrival only the unit is transferred from one mode to the next. The cargo is not touched.

  5. 05

    Final delivery

    The last leg, road or rail, to the consignee's address, with the paperwork closed on the same FBL.

The modes

What each mode brings to the combination

Which legs to use follows distance, deadline and cargo type — no single combination suits everything.

  • Road

    The connecting link in almost any chain: it takes the cargo from the address to the terminal, and from the terminal to the consignee.

    The only mode that actually reaches door to door.

  • Sea

    The cheapest over intercontinental distances and for large volumes.

    It trades time for cost, so it takes the long legs of the journey.

  • Rail

    Direct connections to the major international rail hubs and terminals, from standard containers through to open top.

    It avoids road congestion and driving bans, with emissions far below a truck's.

  • Air

    For perishable, high-value or tightly scheduled cargo.

    The most expensive per kilogram, so it is used on the leg where time genuinely matters.

Multimodal or intermodal

Two terms that do not mean the same thing

They are often used interchangeably, but they describe different things. The technical terminology looks at the cargo: intermodal means the goods stay in the same loading unit throughout and are not handled between modes.

The commercial framing looks at the contract: multimodal means a single contract and a single operator responsible for the whole journey, even where legs are subcontracted. What we offer is multimodal on both counts.

Calculate the price now

Comparison

  • Contract

    Multimodala single one

    one per leg

  • Liability

    Multimodala single operator

    each carrier for its own leg

  • Document

    MultimodalFBL, one for everything

    CMR, B/L, AWB, separately

  • Claims

    Multimodala single point of contact

    you first identify the carrier at fault

  • Loading unit

    Multimodalstays intact

    stays intact

Why us

Why work with us?

We are more than a transport provider — we are your long-term logistics partner.

24/7 Support

Our team is available around the clock to respond to any urgent transport situation.

Fast Response

We provide quotes and transport confirmations as quickly as possible, without bureaucracy.

Insured Transport

All our shipments are fully insured, giving you peace of mind regardless of type or distance.

Fair Pricing

Transparent and competitive rates, without hidden costs or unpleasant surprises on the invoice.

Complete Service Package

From pickup to delivery, we manage all logistics for you with full responsibility.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about multimodal transport

What is multimodal transport?

It uses at least two different modes — road, rail, sea, air — under a single contract with one carrier responsible. The cargo stays in the same loading unit, a container or swap-body, throughout, without being unloaded between modes.

How does it differ from intermodal?

Intermodal means several carriers, with separate contracts for each leg. Multimodal means one contract and one carrier responsible for the whole journey, even where the modes are subcontracted. For the customer, multimodal drastically simplifies administration, liability and paperwork.

When is it recommended?

Over long distances where combining modes cuts cost, for instance China to Europe by sea and rail. In areas with no direct road access, such as islands or mountain regions. When you want to reduce your carbon footprint. And when you want to avoid traffic congestion and the driving bans some countries impose.

How much do I save?

Cost falls by up to 30% against single-mode transport, and CO₂ emissions by 40 to 70% when the long legs move to rail or sea. Delivery is also more predictable, because the routes are planned in advance.

Who is liable if something goes wrong?

One operator, for the whole chain, under a single document. Even where legs are subcontracted, you have one point of contact and a simple claims procedure, without having to work out which carrier on which leg is responsible.

How is the paperwork handled?

We issue one multimodal transport document — an FBL, FIATA Bill of Lading, or equivalent — covering every leg. It replaces the individual documents, the CMR note, the sea bill of lading and the air waybill, and simplifies both customs and claims.

Is the cargo unloaded between modes?

No. Only the loading unit is transferred from one mode to the next. The cargo stays sealed inside from loading through to destination, so it passes through fewer handling steps than a transhipped shipment.

How do I get a price?

Tell us the origin, the destination and the type of cargo, and we propose the right combination of modes. For cases that need review, the team comes back with a tailored offer in under 2 hours.

Ready to ship your cargo?

Our team will get back to you in under 2 hours with a personalized quote — no bureaucracy.