// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Intermodal
Intermodal transport involves using two or more different modes of transportation, like rail, road, or sea, to move the same cargo without handling the cargo itself when changing modes.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Intermodal transportation is a freight shipping method that utilizes multiple modes of transport (e.g., rail, truck, ship, air) to move the same cargo unit (e.g., container, trailer) from origin to destination without intermediate handling of the goods during mode changes.
BACKGROUND
Manufacturing is the creation or production of goods with the help of equipment, labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of the secondary sector of the economy. The term may refer to a range of human activity, from handicraft to high-tech, but it is most commonly applied to industrial design, in which raw materials from the primary sector are transformed into finished goods on a large scale. Such goods may be sold to other manufacturers for the production of other more complex products, or distributed via the tertiary sector to end users and consumers.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Multimodal transport
- combined transport
- containerized shipping
- integrated transport
USAGE NOTE
Intermodal shipping is often used for long-distance freight to combine the efficiency of rail/sea with the flexibility of road.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Intermodal.
A global integrated logistics company providing end-to-end intermodal solutions, including ocean freight, landside logistics (rail, truck), and digital platforms for supply chain visibility and optimization.
One of the world's largest third-party logistics (3PL) providers, leveraging its global network and technology platform to offer comprehensive intermodal freight services, optimizing routes and modes for efficiency.
A major North American freight railroad that operates an extensive intermodal network, investing in technology for smart intermodal terminals, predictive analytics, and automated processes to enhance rail-to-truck transfers.
A global logistics and supply chain company that provides extensive intermodal transport solutions, integrating sea, air, road, and rail freight with advanced digital tools for real-time tracking and supply chain management.
A leading global port operator and logistics provider, developing smart port technologies, automated terminals, and integrated logistics solutions that facilitate efficient intermodal cargo handling and connectivity across its global network.
Europe's largest port, actively investing in digital innovation, automation, and smart logistics infrastructure (e.g., digital twins, autonomous transport) to optimize intermodal connections and streamline cargo flows.
One of North America's leading freight railroads with a vast intermodal network, utilizing advanced analytics, automation, and locomotive technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of intermodal freight movement.
A leading provider of terminal operating systems (TOS) and software for managing intermodal container operations at ports, rail yards, and inland depots, focusing on optimization, automation, and increased throughput.