Chapter 5.

Transportation
Methods
MSc. Dang Thuy Long Chau
Global Transportation Methods
5.1. Road Transportation
Road transportation is the transportation of goods using vehicles such as trucks, container trucks, and tractor-trailers
on road networks, including highways, national roads, provincial roads, and even urban streets. This is the most
common mode of transportation due to its high flexibility and adaptability to various types of goods and distances.
The Role of Road Transportation in the Supply Chain
Road transportation plays a crucial role in the supply chain, connecting the various stages from production to distribution.

1 Connecting production sites, warehouses, and 2 Flexibility in the supply chain

consumption points
Adjusting routes flexibly to accommodate changes in delivery time
Transporting goods directly from factories to storage facilities and or volume requirements.
retail channels.

3 Enhancing domestic distribution capabilities 4 Contribution to e-commerce and fast delivery

Primarily serving domestic distribution activities, especially in areas Enabling quick and accurate deliveries, playing a crucial role in
with underdeveloped rail or maritime infrastructure. fulfilling e-commerce orders.

5 Road transportation in key industries

Transporting raw materials and products for industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Road Transportation Vehicles

Truck Semitrailer
A common vehicle used to transport goods. A truck typically consists of a cabin and a This is a large trailer that is attached to a tractor unit (semi-truck). Semitrailers are
cargo bed attached directly to the vehicle frame. designed to carry goods in an enclosed container and require a tractor unit to move.

Semitrailer Flatbed Semitrailer with Sides and Nets

This type of trailer has no sides or roof. It is used to transport large, heavy, or This type of trailer has sides and nets to protect the cargo during transportation,
irregularly shaped items such as machinery or construction materials. The flat deck suitable for smaller and more delicate goods that need protection while in transit.
makes it easy to load and unload from the top or sides.
Road Transport Infrastructure

Road Network Fees and Regulations

A robust road network is crucial for effective road transportation. This Toll fees, weight and height restrictions on certain roads and bridges.
includes highways, national roads, provincial roads, and improved These regulations can impact transportation efficiency and fuel
infrastructure. The condition and maintenance of roads directly impact consumption, affecting overall logistics.
the speed and cost of transportation.
Advantages of Road
Transportation
High Flexibility
Easy to adjust routes, deliver directly to destinations, not dependent
on fixed points.

High Speed
Quick and efficient delivery over short and medium distances.

Low Investment Cost

Establishing a road transportation system is less expensive
compared to rail or maritime transportation.
Disadvantages of Road Transportation

Impact from Traffic and Weather

Traffic congestion, traffic accidents, or factors like rain and storms can cause delays in deliveries, affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain.

For example, a major storm can cause gridlock on major highways, disrupting the transportation of goods and causing economic losses for businesses.

High Costs Over Long Distances

Transportation over long distances will incur higher fuel and operating costs compared to rail or waterway transportation, reducing profitability for transportation companies.

For example, transporting a container of goods from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by road can be much more expensive than transporting it by rail or sea, especially when the cargo is
large in volume.

Limitations on Load Capacity and Size

Trucks and containers have certain limits on load capacity, making them unsuitable for extremely large or heavy shipments. Businesses need to carefully consider the appropriate
mode of transportation for each type of cargo.

For example, a large industrial machine may not be able to be transported by a standard truck, requiring specialized vehicles or a multimodal transportation solution.
Examples of Road Transportation

Medical Equipment Transport

Road transportation has played a critical role in the COVID-19 pandemic, transporting essential medical supplies and vaccines from storage facilities
to hospitals and healthcare centers nationwide.

Construction Industry
Transportation companies like Hoa Phat Logistics handle the movement of steel and construction materials from manufacturing plants to construction
sites across the country, especially for large infrastructure projects.

Grocery and Food Distribution

Road transportation is essential for delivering fresh produce, groceries, and other food items from farms and processing facilities to supermarkets
and grocery stores.

E-commerce and Delivery Services

The growth of e-commerce has driven the demand for road transportation to deliver online orders from warehouses to customers' homes.
5.2. Water Transportation
Water transportation is a mode of transportation that uses vessels such
as ships and barges to move goods along rivers, lakes, seas, and
oceans. This mode plays a crucial role in international trade, where large
shipments are moved across continents at low cost over long distances.

Classification: Water transportation is divided into two main groups:

• Inland water transportation: Uses rivers, canals, and coastal

areas to transport goods between domestic regions.
• International maritime transportation: Uses large ocean-going
vessels to transport goods through international trade routes,
connecting major seaports globally.
The Role of Water Transportation in the Supply
Chain

1 Global Trade Volume 2 Bulk Commodities

Around 90% of world trade is carried by the international Water transport is vital for the movement of bulk
shipping industry, demonstrating the critical role water commodities, such as oil, coal, iron ore, and grains. For
transportation plays in moving goods across continents. example, over 2 billion metric tons of dry bulk
commodities are shipped globally every year.

3 Container Shipping 4 Environmental Impact

In 2023, over 200 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Water transportation is more fuel-efficient compared to
Units) of containers were handled by global ports, which other modes of transport, consuming less fuel per ton-
are primarily transported via water routes. mile than road or air transport.
Shipping Time vs. Shipping Cost

Water transportation is known for its cost-effectiveness, especially for heavy and bulk goods. Shipping a container by sea can be 4 to 6
times cheaper than air freight for long-distance transport.
Water Transportation Vehicles
Types of Cargo Ships
General Cargo Ships Container Ships
These ships transport a variety of cargo types such as Container ships are specially designed to transport cargo in
containers, bulk, and general cargo. They can easily be standard containers. They have the capability to load and
reconfigured to meet different transportation needs. unload cargo quickly and safely.

1 2 3

Specialized Cargo Ships

These ships are designed to transport specific cargo types
such as liquid (oil, chemicals), dry bulk (coal, ore), and
refrigerated cargo. They are optimized for the specific cargo
they carry.
Types of Barges

Bulk Cargo Barges Specialized Barges Container Barges

Specialized barges for transporting bulk cargo such as coal, ore, and Including oil barges, chemical liquid barges, and barges used for specific Designed to transport standard shipping containers, increasing flexibility
cement. They have a sturdy structure to withstand heavy loads. tasks like supporting offshore oil rigs. and efficiency in transportation.

Push Barges Towed Barges

Water Transportation Infrastructure

Sea Ports River Ports

Sea ports play a crucial role in international trade, facilitating the River ports provide access to inland areas, supporting the
movement of goods between countries. These ports are equipped transportation of domestic cargo. They connect production centers
with specialized infrastructure such as cranes, docks, and storage with distribution hubs.
facilities.
Advantages of Water
Transportation
Lower costs for longer distances
Waterway transportation is the most cost-effective option for long-distance routes and
large cargo volumes.

Ability to carry large and heavy loads

Large vessels like bulk carriers and oil tankers can handle oversized and overweight
cargo, exceeding the capabilities of other modes.

Less dependent on road infrastructure

Waterway transportation operates independently of road infrastructure like highways and
bridges, providing more flexibility for international routes.

Environmental sustainability
Waterway transportation is generally considered a more sustainable option, as it emits
fewer greenhouse gases compared to air transportation.
Disadvantages of Water Transportation

Slow Transportation Speed Dependent on Ports and Additional Loading and

Water transportation is relatively slow. The
Weather Distribution Costs
transportation time can take weeks or The transportation and handling of goods Once the goods arrive at the port, they
months, which is not suitable for urgent or can be affected by weather conditions, need to be transported by other modes,
perishable goods. such as storms or high waves. This can such as trucks or trains, to reach the final
lead to delays and disruptions in the destination. This increases the total
supply chain. transportation cost.
Examples of Water Transportation

Crude Oil Transportation International Trade through Ports

Crude oil is transported from the Middle East to oil refineries The Cat Lai Port in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is an important
around the world by oil tankers. Water transportation plays a crucial international trade hub, handling a significant volume of imports
role in this process, ensuring a stable supply of this vital resource. and exports. This demonstrates the importance of ports in driving
global commerce.
5.3. Rail Transportation
Rail transportation is a mode of freight transportation using trains,
utilizing a fixed rail system. This method is common for domestic or
international freight transportation in regions with a developed rail
network.

In Vietnam, rail transportation mainly uses the North-South line,

playing a role in connecting key economic regions.
Rail Transportation Vehicles
Rail Transportation Vehicles
Each type of railcar is designed specifically to accommodate certain types of goods, ensuring safety and efficiency during transportation:

Tank Cars
Used to transport various liquids or gases, such as oil, chemicals, or water. This type of car is typically cylindrical in shape to store and transport
flammable or sensitive materials.

Hopper Cars
This type of car is used to transport bulk materials like coal, sand, or grains. It has doors at the bottom for easy unloading.

Flat Cars
These are cars without walls or roofs, suitable for carrying large or bulky items like containers or industrial equipment.

Plastic Pellet Cars

Used to transport plastic pellets. The sealed design protects the cargo from being affected by the external environment.
Rail Transportation Vehicles
Each type of railcar is designed specifically to accommodate certain types of goods, ensuring safety and efficiency during transportation:

Gondola Car
This car has low sides and is used to transport heavy cargo, such as scrap metal, stone, or coal.

Box Car
This is a closed car with side doors, used to transport goods that need protection from weather or external factors, such as electronics or household items.

Center Beam Car

This car has a beam in the center and is primarily used to transport construction materials like lumber.

Pressure Car
Designed to transport gases or liquids under high pressure, this car is very safe and has a pressure control system.

Auto Rack Car

This car has a multi-level design to transport automobiles, protecting the vehicles from external impacts during transportation.
Rail Transportation Infrastructure

Rail Network Train Stations Signaling and Coordination

This is the core element for rail transportation, These are the stopping points for train
System
ensuring stability and continuity in freight journeys, where goods are loaded and This plays a crucial role in the operation and
transportation. The extensive and complex rail unloaded. Major stations often have management of train services, ensuring the
network requires regular maintenance to warehousing systems, cargo loading/unloading safety and efficiency of the entire rail system.
ensure safe and efficient operation. platforms, and supporting infrastructure to Technologies such as automated signaling
store and distribute goods. and monitoring systems help regulate traffic
flow and prevent collisions.
Advantages of Rail Transportation
Safety and Stability 1
Rail transportation provides a higher level of safety and
stability compared to other modes like road
transportation. The fixed rail system is carefully 2 Large Cargo Carrying Capacity
managed, minimizing accidents or incidents. Trains are designed to transport large volumes of heavy
or bulky goods, such as coal, ore, and cement. This
makes rail transportation ideal for heavy industries that
Cost-Effective Long-Distance Transport 3 need to move significant quantities.
Compared to road transportation, rail provides lower
costs for long-distance cargo transport. This is
particularly true for domestic transport, where rail
operations are more efficient due to the ability to move
large volumes and lower energy consumption.
Disadvantages of Rail Transportation
Rail transportation can be less effective in delivering goods to destinations outside the rail network. Additional investments are needed to develop
and improve rail infrastructure. Furthermore, the need for other logistics systems increases costs and time in the supply chain.

Limited Flexibility
1 Trains can only move on fixed tracks, reducing flexibility in delivery.

High Infrastructure Costs

2 Constructing and maintaining tracks, stations, and signaling systems is very
expensive.

Dependence on Logistics
3 Rail transportation often requires integration with other logistics
systems.
Examples of Rail Transportation

Coal Transportation Steel and Cement Transportation

Coal mining in Vietnam is heavily dependent on rail Steel and cement are essential materials for construction.
transportation. Coal is transported from mines in Quang Ninh They are transported from manufacturing plants in northern
to power plants in Hai Phong and other regions. This reduces Vietnam to southern regions via the North-South railway. Rail
transportation costs and improves production efficiency. transportation reduces costs compared to truck
transportation.
5.4. Air Transportation
Air transportation is a method that uses aircraft to transport goods.
This is the optimal choice for fast-delivery goods, high-value items, or
those with short shelf life. This method is often used for international
transportation routes, where time is extremely important. This is the
top choice for products with short expiration dates or those that need
urgent delivery.
Air Transportation Vehicles
Cargo Aircraft
These aircraft are specifically designed to transport cargo. They have large cargo holds to accommodate various types of
goods, including bulky or heavy items. These aircraft are primarily used to transport time-sensitive shipments, such as
electronics, perishable goods, or pharmaceuticals.

Major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL utilize dedicated cargo aircraft to ensure speed and efficiency in global cargo
transportation.

Passenger Aircraft with Cargo Holds

Some passenger aircraft are designed to transport cargo in the baggage compartments below the passenger seats. This is
a common method to transport goods along with passengers, especially on long-haul international flights.

Commercial airlines like Vietnam Airlines and Singapore Airlines often transport cargo in the baggage holds of passenger
aircraft along with passengers.
Aviation Infrastructure

— — —
International Airports Airport Customs Air Traffic Control System
Airports are the hub of air Customs procedures are crucial to The air traffic control system ensures
transportation, where goods are loaded ensure goods are thoroughly inspected the coordination of flights and safe and
and unloaded, and stored. Large before import and export. Airport efficient takeoff and landing times. This
airports have warehouses and customs play a role in ensuring the helps cargo flights arrive at their
specialized equipment to handle heavy, safety and legal compliance of destination on time and minimizes
high-value, or special cargo. internationally transported goods. incidents.
Advantages of Air Cargo Transportation

1 Fastest Speed
Air cargo transportation is the fastest mode of transportation, very suitable for goods that need to be delivered in a short time. Air
transportation can take only a few hours to a few days, depending on the flight route and destination.

2 Suitable for High-Value Goods

Airplanes are the ideal vehicle for transporting high-value goods such as jewelry, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In
addition to speed, air cargo transportation also ensures the safety of these types of goods thanks to strict security measures at airports
and on airplanes.

3 Broad International Reach

Airplanes can travel between countries around the world without being limited by terrain or geographic distance, making air cargo
transportation an ideal choice for transporting goods across regions with difficult geographic conditions such as seas, mountains, or
deserts.
Disadvantages of Air Cargo Transportation

1 High Costs
Air transportation has very high costs, including fuel costs, aircraft operations, airport fees, and other support services.
Therefore, this mode is usually only chosen for high-value or time-sensitive goods.

2 Limitations on Weight and Size

Aircraft can only transport a limited amount of cargo in terms of weight and size. Oversized or overweight goods that are too
large or heavy cannot be transported by air and must use other modes such as sea or road transport.

3 Dependence on Airport Infrastructure

Aircraft can only transport a limited amount of cargo in terms of weight and size. Oversized or overweight goods that are too
large or heavy cannot be transported by air and must use other modes such as sea or road transport.
Examples of Air Cargo Transportation
• Medical Supply Delivery: During the COVID-19 pandemic, air transportation played a crucial role in moving medical
equipment, masks, and vaccines globally. Companies like DHL Aviation, FedEx, and UPS utilized dedicated cargo
aircraft to execute these critical deliveries.
• High-End Fashion and Cosmetics: Many international high-end fashion and cosmetic brands rely on air
transportation to ensure their products reach key markets in a timely and secure manner, especially in Asia, including
China, Japan, and South Korea.

• Time-Sensitive Shipments: Air transportation is the preferred choice for transporting high-value, perishable, or time-
sensitive goods, such as high-end electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce.
Pipeline Transportation
Pipeline transportation is a method that uses underground or aboveground pipeline systems to transport liquids or
gases. This is an important and common transportation method in the oil and gas industry, mainly used to move crude
oil, refined petroleum products, liquefied gases, and water over long distances.
Pipeline Transportation Vehicles
Underground Pipelines Aboveground Pipelines

Underground pipelines are buried beneath the ground. Aboveground pipelines are installed on the surface of land
They are often used to transport natural gas or liquids like or the seabed. They connect production fields to processing
crude oil. plants.

They help protect the system from environmental factors This type of pipeline is easier to access for maintenance
and minimize the risk of leaks. They are also very safe and and inspection, but has a higher risk in terms of safety and
secure. security.

Real-world example: In Vietnam, the pipeline system that Practical example: The aboveground offshore pipeline
transports gas from offshore gas fields to gas processing system at oil fields is often used to transport oil from the
plants or power plants is a typical example. drilling platforms to processing plants near the shore.
Pipeline Transportation Infrastructure
Pump Stations
Pump stations maintain pressure within the pipeline,
ensuring continuous flow of liquid or gas. They are
strategically placed along the pipeline route to
overcome changes in elevation or maintain consistent
flow velocity.

Control Centers
Control centers monitor and adjust pressure and flow, ensuring the
stability and efficiency of the pipeline. They utilize advanced technologies
to detect leaks, manage pressure fluctuations, and activate safety
protocols.

Remote Control Systems

Remote control systems provide real-time monitoring and control of pipeline operations.
They allow operators to adjust flow rates, monitor pressure, detect leaks, and activate
safety measures remotely.
Advantages of Pipeline Transportation
Suitable for Transporting Gaseous and Liquid
Continuous Transportation Goods
Pipelines operate 24/7, uninterrupted by external factors, Pipelines can transport large volumes of oil or gas without
ensuring a stable supply of goods, especially essential products significantly increasing costs, especially over long distances,
like oil and gas. reducing expenses for oil and gas companies.

1 2 3

Safe and Efficient

Pipelines minimize accidents and loss of cargo compared to
other modes of transportation. Pipeline systems are also more
cost-effective than using trucks or ships to transport liquids or
gases over long distances.
Disadvantages of Pipeline Transportation

1 High construction and maintenance costs

Building a pipeline system, especially underground pipelines, requires significant initial investments. For example, constructing a cross-country oil
pipeline can cost billions of dollars. Maintaining and repairing pipelines can be complex and expensive, especially for underground or offshore
pipelines. These activities may require specialized equipment, highly skilled labor, and complex techniques to ensure the safety of the pipeline
and the surrounding environment.

2 Limited types of goods

Pipeline transportation is only suitable for moving liquids or gases. Solid materials, such as coal or grains, cannot be transported through
pipelines, limiting the scope of its application. This also means that pipelines are not suitable for transporting fragile, oversized, or specialized
goods that require special handling.

3 Challenges in maintenance and repair

When a pipeline experiences an incident, especially underground pipelines, maintenance and repair can be difficult and costly. Resolving such
incidents can also lead to prolonged service disruptions. For example, a leak in an underground oil pipeline can cause environmental
contamination, impact business operations, and require significant time to address. Accessing and repairing pipelines located on the seabed or in
rugged terrain can also be highly complex and expensive.
Example of Pipeline Transportation
Crude Oil Transportation Natural Gas Transportation

Offshore oil fields often use pipelines to transport crude oil Natural gas pipelines are one of the most common
from the drilling platforms to refineries on shore. The applications of pipeline transportation.
pipeline system can be floating or submerged underwater.
The pipeline system efficiently transports large volumes of
natural gas to processing plants or distribution stations.
The pipeline system helps save transportation costs and
ensures the safety of the cargo.
The pipeline system that transports gas from the Lan Tay
In Vietnam, offshore oil fields such as the Bach Ho field use offshore gas field in Vung Tau to the gas-fired power plant
a pipeline system to transport oil from the drilling platforms in the Southeast region is one of the key projects in the
to the processing facilities on shore. energy sector in Vietnam.
Multimodal Transportation

Multimodal transportation is a method of transporting goods that uses at

least two different modes of transportation. This method is becoming
increasingly popular in global logistics due to its flexibility and high
efficiency.
Key Features of Multimodal Transportation
1 Single Contract
All modes of transportation are performed under a single contract, simplifying the process and minimizing risk for the shipper.

2 Use of Multiple Modes

Transportation modes can include road, rail, sea, and air, providing flexibility in the choice of transportation routes. Multimodal transportation typically combines a
minimum of 2 transportation modes.

3 Centralized Transportation Management

The multimodal transportation service provider is responsible for managing the entire transportation process, including planning, coordinating between
transportation modes, and resolving any issues that arise.
Road and Rail Transportation (Piggyback)
1 2 3

Point of Origin Rail Transportation Delivery Point

Goods are transported by truck from the point Goods are loaded onto the train for Trucks continue to transport the goods from
of origin to the railway station. transportation to the destination station. the destination station to the final delivery
point.

Advantages: Suitable for long-distance transportation, reduces road transportation costs, and mitigates traffic congestion.

Disadvantages: Requires close coordination between road and rail transportation providers.
Road - Air Transportation
Process 1
Goods are transported by truck to the airport, then transferred to the
aircraft for transportation to the destination airport. At the destination,
the goods are then transported by truck to the final delivery point. 2 Advantages
Fast transportation time, suitable for high-value goods or items that
need to be delivered quickly.

Disadvantages 3
High cost and strict requirements for cargo handling and storage.
Sea - Air Transportation
The Economics of Sea Suitable for High-Value Ensuring Seasonality Flexibility and Efficiency
Transportation Goods
When goods are transported by
This combined transportation This model is suitable for high- sea to the port, air transportation This model combines the
model leverages the economic value items such as electronics, will quickly deliver the goods to advantages of sea and air
advantages of sea clothing, toys, footwear, and the domestic market, ensuring transportation, providing
transportation while taking highly seasonal goods. the seasonality and quality of the flexibility and efficiency in cargo
advantage of the speed of air goods. transportation.
transportation.
Rail/Road/Inland Waterway - Ocean Transportation
Transportation Process Advantages Disadvantages

Goods are transported by rail, road or inland This model combines efficient transportation Requires coordinated cooperation between
waterway to the seaport of the exporting modes, helping to save costs and the different transportation modes and
country. Then, the goods are transshipped transportation time. It is also flexible in stakeholders. The transshipment of goods
onto ocean vessels for transportation to the handling different types of goods. between modes can also introduce some
port of the importing country. risks and additional costs.
Land Bridge
Land Bridge in international freight transport is a term used to refer to the mode of transport that combines sea and road or rail transport to move goods across different continents. This method is
often used to combine the advantages of sea transport (low cost when transporting large quantities over long distances) and road or rail transport (speed and flexibility in domestic transportation).

How does the Land Bridge work?

Stage 1: Sea transport 1

Goods are transported from the country of origin via a sea route to a seaport on an
intermediate continent.
2 Stage 2: Road or rail transport
After the goods arrive at the port, they are transported across the intermediate
continent by truck or train, covering large distances on land.
Stage 3: Sea transport 3
From the end point of the road or rail transport, the goods are then loaded onto a ship
and transported to the final destination country or continent.
Land Bridge: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of the Land Bridge Disadvantages of the Land Bridge

• Time-saving: Compared to transporting goods entirely by sea • Dependence on infrastructure: The use of a land bridge requires a
around the continents, using a land bridge significantly reduces well-developed infrastructure system, such as railways, seaports,
delivery time. and logistics networks, which may not be feasible in some countries.
• Reduced transportation costs: The combination of sea and
rail/road transport helps optimize transportation costs, reducing the • Risk of delays: Transportation across multiple modes (sea, road,
high costs of using a single mode. rail) can lead to risks of delays due to a lack of synchronization
• Flexible transportation: This method allows the use of various between transportation networks.
modes of transport, easily adapting to different geographic
conditions and specific needs.
Mini Bridge
Mini Bridge is a variation of the Land Bridge, using inland ports instead of major seaports. Goods are transported through the inland port and then continue by rail or road to their final destination.

Stage 1: Maritime Transport 1

Goods are transported by ship from the country of origin to the seaport on the same
continent, where there is a rail network connecting to the inland regions.
2 Stage 2: Rail Transport
From the seaport, the goods are transferred to trains and transported by rail to the
inland destination, instead of continuing by ship.

The process of transporting goods using the Mini Land Bridge (MLB) method involves the following main steps:

1. Mumbai (India): Goods are loaded onto a ship at the port of Mumbai, India (represented by a crane icon and a ship).

2. New York (USA): Goods are transported by sea to the port of New York.

3. Colorado (USA): From the port of New York, the goods are transferred to rail (represented by a train icon) and transported to Colorado, the final destination.
Micro Bridge
Micro Land Bridge (MLB) is a transportation method similar to Mini Land Bridge, but applied to shorter distances, usually within the scope of a single country or a specific region
on the same continent. This method combines sea transportation and rail (or road) transportation to move goods from a seaport to inland areas, but without crossing national
borders.

Busan 1
Goods are loaded onto ships at the port of Busan (symbol of crane and
ship).
2 Los Angeles
Goods are transported by sea from Busan to the port of Los Angeles
(symbol of the next crane in Los Angeles).
Chicago 3
From Los Angeles, the goods continue to be transported by rail (train
symbol) to the final destination, Chicago.
Transshipment Model
1 Origin Port
Goods are transported by sea from the origin port.

2 Transshipment Port
Goods are transferred from one sea vessel to another or to another mode of
transportation.

3 Further Transportation
Goods continue their journey by the new mode of transportation.

4 Destination Port
Goods arrive at the final destination port and are delivered to the consignee.
Benefits of Multimodal Transportation

High Efficiency Flexibility

Optimize transportation time and cost by combining different Easily adjust routes and transportation modes to meet the
modes of transportation. specific needs of each shipment.

Global Reach High Safety

Allows goods to be transported to any destination in the Minimize the risk of loss or damage to goods through strict
world, overcoming geographical barriers. management throughout the transportation process.
Multimodal Transportation System

The Multimodal Transportation System is a complex network focused on moving goods through multiple stages. This system includes major gateways
and hubs, satellite terminals and inland ports, as well as distribution centers, all connected through a diverse transportation network. This system
facilitates the efficient movement of goods from origin to final destination, utilizing various modes of transportation.
Levels of Multimodal Transportation System
• Gateways and Hubs: These are the main points where major modes of transportation intersect, such as seaports or
international airports. They serve as transfer centers where goods can be shifted from one mode of transportation to
another.
• Satellite Terminals and Inland Ports: These nodes support the main gateways and hubs, located in more remote
areas and serve as secondary transfer points. Here, goods can be consolidated or redistributed before continuing their
journey.

• Distribution Centers: These are the final points in the transportation chain, where goods are prepared for delivery to
the ultimate customers. Here, goods may be temporarily stored before being transported to retail stores or directly to
consumers.
Components of a Multimodal Transportation System
Shipping Network Intermodal Corridor
This is the overall structure of the entire transportation system, This corridor is the main route that goods will travel through during the
comprising various modes such as maritime, rail, and road. This system transportation process. It is designed to optimize the use of multiple
connects major transportation hubs and ensures that goods can move transportation modes in a single journey, helping to save time and cost.
continuously without direct handling when switching between modes.

Regional and Local Networks Nodes and Links

As goods approach their final destination, they will be transferred to Nodes are the transportation points where goods are transferred from
smaller routes within the regional or local network. These networks one mode to another, or from one route to another. Links are the routes
connect distribution centers or smaller transportation nodes and are that connect the nodes, forming a complex network for the movement of
responsible for distributing goods to the final destinations. goods.
Intermodal Transport
Intermodal transport is a method of transporting goods using two or
more different modes of transportation (such as road, rail, sea, air) in a
single journey, but each leg of the journey may be carried out by
different service providers under separate contracts.
Multimodal Transport vs. Intermodal Transport
Multimodal Transport Intermodal Transport

Uses at least two different modes of transport in a single journey, with a Uses at least two different modes of transport, but each mode has a
single contract with a Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO). separate contract with different service providers.

Goods may need to be unloaded from the container for inspection or Goods are transported from origin to destination in the same container
transshipment at handover points, especially when there are customs or without the need to unload the goods when switching between transport
security requirements. modes.

The entire transportation journey is managed by a single service provider. Each stage of the transportation journey is managed by different service
providers, with separate legal and management responsibilities.

Legal liability remains with the Multimodal Transport Operator throughout Legal liability will be divided among the different service providers for each
the journey. stage of the journey.

Often simplifies the process for the shipper, saving time and minimizing Provides more flexible options for the shipper, who can choose the best
risk. service provider for each part of the journey.
Chapter 5 Summary

Road Transport Maritime Transport Rail Transport

Road transport is flexible, cost-effective, and Maritime transport is ideal for large volumes Rail transport is efficient for large cargo and
suitable for short-distance deliveries. and long distances, providing cost-efficiency long distances, balancing cost and speed.
but slower delivery times.

Air Transport Multimodal Transport Intermodal Transport

Air transport is the fastest option, ideal for Combining multiple transport modes to Combining multiple transport modes to
time-sensitive cargo, but has higher costs optimize cost and time through a single optimize cost and delivery time through
and size limitations. contract with a Multimodal Transport multiple contracts with various transport
Operator (MTO). providers.