Combined Transport

Combined transport is a type of intermodal (interrupted) transport. In combined transports, the advantages of different means of traffic (train, vessel and truck) are combined. The loading unit is changed between these means of traffic.

Combined transport chains usually consist of a pre-, main and on-carriage. The pre- and on-carriage are executed by truck and represent a short transport sector. The main carriage is the longest transport sector and is covered by train, ocean vessel or inland ship.

1. Combined transport with dependent loading units
= loading units that can only transport goods with auxiliary means (e.g. motor vehicles). Examples for such loading units: containers, semi-trailers or swap bodies. This form accounts for the majority of combined transports. This variant is also referred to as unaccompanied combined transport/container transport.

2. Combined transport with independent loading units
= one means of traffic is transported by another means of traffic. For example, a rail vehicle can be transported by a vessel, which is entered and exited via special ramps. This subarea of combined transport is relatively rare. Special forms are piggyback transports, roll-on/roll-off transports or barge transports.

Thanks to CarLo (transport management system) and the add-on CarLo inAIR&SEA (air and sea freight handling), the CarLo software family can cover all forms of intermodal transport. In combined transports as well, the entire transport process, from pre- and main carriage to the on-carriage, can be integrated including all corresponding freight documents and modes of transport.