Intermodal

Summary of Intermodal

Shipments that pass from one mode of transport (air, water, rail, or motor) to another in the same conveyance without unloading or rehandling of the merchandise. The most common application of the term is in conjunction with containers used aboard ships. Containers can be loaded at the shipper's warehouse and railed and/or trucked to the vessel. Barring examination of the contents by customs or other authorities, it is possible for the goods to remain undisturbed within the container until delivery to the final consignee.

Intermodal conveyances are also carried aboard cargo aircraft; intermodal movements of trailers aboard rail flatcars (piggyback) have been in use for thirty years.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)