How does intermodal transportation operate in a container terminal?

Combined transport in a container terminal refers to the seamless integration of different transport modes (road, rail, and sea transport) to efficiently move goods to their destination. The container terminal serves as a meeting point for these transport modes, where containers are transferred from one mode to another. Efficient container handling, timely transfers, and coordination of transport modes are key elements in effective intermodal transport.

What is meant by combined transport in a container terminal?

Combined transport in a container terminal refers to a logistics solution where the same transport unit (container) is moved to its destination using at least two different transport modes. Typically, this involves a combination of road, rail, and sea transport, where the container moves seamlessly from one transport mode to another.

In intermodal transport, goods are loaded into a container that remains sealed throughout the entire journey. The container terminal functions as a hub where containers are transferred, for example, from truck to train or from ship to truck. This enables leveraging the strengths of each transport mode: trucks offer flexibility for short distances, trains are cost-effective for long land routes, and ships are suitable for intercontinental transport.

At Kouvola Cargo Handling, we efficiently coordinate these different transport modes to ensure our customers’ container shipments proceed as smoothly as possible. We ensure that transitions between transport modes occur without delay and that information flows in real-time throughout the entire transport chain.

How does the container handling process progress in the terminal?

The container handling process in the terminal begins with the reception of the container, when it is registered in the system and its condition is inspected. After this, the container is moved either to temporary storage or directly to the next transport mode, depending on the transport schedule.

Container transfers are carried out with specialized equipment: reach stackers, straddle carriers, and terminal tractors. Loading and unloading processes are carefully planned in advance to ensure efficient operations. Within the terminal, containers are arranged according to departure time, destination, and type, which accelerates handling and prevents bottlenecks.

Technological solutions play a central role in container terminal operations. We use advanced terminal management systems to track container movements in real-time. These systems enable precise scheduling, resource optimization, and seamless information flow between different parties. This improves the predictability and delivery reliability of container shipments.

What are the greatest benefits and challenges of combined transport?

The most significant benefits of combined transport are cost-efficiency, environmental friendliness, and improved delivery reliability. Intermodal transport allows for utilizing the best aspects of each transport mode, which lowers overall costs and reduces environmental impacts.

Particularly, utilizing rail transport as part of the transport chain significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions compared to road transport alone. Transporting large quantities of goods by train or ship is also more energy-efficient than by truck. Additionally, combined transport reduces dependency on a single transport mode, which improves delivery reliability in disruption situations.

Challenges include coordinating schedules, meeting the requirements of different transport modes, and ensuring smooth information flow. Our experts specialize in solving these challenges. We carefully plan transport chains, efficiently manage schedules, and ensure seamless information flow between different operators.

How can a company optimize its logistics through combined transport?

Optimizing logistics through combined transport begins with careful analysis of the supply chain. Companies should evaluate their current transport routes, volumes, and schedule requirements, and identify points where combining different transport modes would bring advantages.

Selecting the right transport modes for different situations is crucial. Large, regular freight flows are often best directed to rail or sea transport, while distribution transport and urgent deliveries are handled with flexible road transport. On long routes, combined transport typically brings the most significant savings and environmental benefits.

Choosing the right partner is a critical factor in the success of combined transport. We offer companies tailored solutions that take into account the specific characteristics of their supply chain. We plan and implement container transport comprehensively, optimize routes and schedules, and take care of necessary documents and information flow. Our customers can focus on their core business while we ensure the smooth operation of their logistics.

Combined transport offers companies an opportunity to enhance logistics, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impacts. The container terminal serves as a central node in this process, and its efficient operation is key to ensuring a smooth supply chain.