Intermodal Transportation
It is the transport of merchandise using at least two different modes of transport, covered by a multimodal transport contract.
Multimodal Transport Agreements
Operator
objective
makes the combination of modes of transport competitive against unimodal transport.
Development reasons
it arose as a logical consequence of the continued use of sealed containers.
Advantage
reduction of handling times, which can reach up to 70%.
decrease in transport costs
reduction of transport times by using the faster and more reliable system.
Disadvantages
hinders the development of multimodal transport
transportation coordination problem may occur.
non-existence of a ratified international regulation.
enters into a multimodal transport contract, and acts as principal.
Function
organizes, plans, coordinates and evaluates the transport of goods
offers various alternatives of freight transport
consolidates, deconsolidates and distributes the goods.
documentation or knowledge
makes proof of a multimodal transport contract and certifies that the multimodal transport operator has taken the goods
The 1980 United Nations Convention on Multimodal Transport was approved in Geneva, under the auspices of the United Nations.
Limits of Liability
it is established in rule 5.1. such as liability for lack of intelligence or presumed negligence.
Signatory countries:
Chile, México; Georgina, Líbano; Burundi, Malawi, Marruecos, Ruanda, Senegal y Zambia.
Multimodal and intermodal transport
The Industrial Revolution in Europe in the early 19th century demanded more efficient ways of carrying raw materials.
Characteristics
uses at least two different modes of transport, under an intermodal transport contract.
Group merchandise into Load Units to reduce handling.
Advantage
allows the combination of full load and groupage regimes.
it is based on greater cooperation between all modes of transport.
Disadvantages
containers are locked
cargo breaks occur in transfers from one means of transport to another.