Multimodal Transport:
The Integrated Solution to Optimize the Supply Chain

What is multimodal transport?

Multimodal transport consists of using several modes of transport—road, rail, sea, or air—for a single shipment under one contract and managed by a single Multimodal Transport Operator. This approach simplifies management, centralizes responsibility, and ensures a fully coordinated end-to-end process.
 

Its main objective is to leverage the best available infrastructure at each stage of the journey, optimizing transit times, operational efficiency, and energy performance.

Multimodal vs. intermodal: key differences

Although often confused, these two models are not the same:

• Multimodal transport:
  A single contract covers the entire journey, even when different transport modes are used. One operator manages the process and assumes overall responsibility.
• Intermodal transport:
  Multiple transport modes may be used, but this involves several contracts and different operators for each leg of the journey. Responsibility is therefore fragmented.

This distinction makes the multimodal model a simpler, faster, and more efficient solution for companies seeking visibility, reliability, and reduced administrative complexity.

Advantages of choosing multimodal solutions

Opting for multimodal transport delivers significant benefits for both customers and businesses.
 

Key advantages include:

1. Operational and documentation simplification

A single contract and a single point of contact reduce administrative burden and facilitate shipment tracking from a centralized control point.
 

2. Cost and resource optimization

Combining different transport modes makes it possible to leverage economies of scale and select the most efficient option for each stage of the journey.
 

3. Greater planning agility

Without the need to establish new contracts for each phase, load planning, route selection, and delivery windows become faster and more flexible.

Benefits of multimodal transport
for the logistics chain

Flexibility to adapt to demand fluctuations

Coordinating multiple transport modes enables rapid response to increases or decreases in volume, avoiding issues related to capacity shortages or surpluses.
 

Route optimization based on specific objectives

Speed, efficiency, sustainability, or specific cargo requirements: multimodal transport allows routes to be tailored according to the most relevant criteria in each case.
 

Greater sustainability and energy efficiency

By enabling more efficient planning, this model promotes:

• the use of transport modes with a lower environmental impact,
• reduced energy consumption,
• and a more responsible logistics approach aligned with ESG criteria.
   

Reduced transit times

Selecting the most suitable transport mode for each leg of the journey results in more agile processes, both during loading and throughout cargo movement.
 

Improved delivery lead times

Multimodal networks optimize both long-haul transport and capillary or last-mile delivery, reducing overall transit times across the entire logistics process.

Logista’s role in multimodal transport

At Logista, we design and manage multimodal solutions tailored to each company’s needs, integrating road, sea, air, and rail transport within a unified model.

Our operational network combines the capillarity of Nacex, the temperature-controlled distribution expertise of Logista Parcel, and the long-haul capabilities of Logista Freight and Transportes El Mosca. This enables us to create robust, efficient, and fully coordinated multimodal solutions.

Today, our infrastructure includes:

• 700 platforms across 7 countries
• 200,000 points of sale throughout Europe

This reach allows us to deliver comprehensive, multimodal, and highly efficient logistics services, adapted to the specific requirements of each shipment and each industry.

Conclusion: multimodal transport for a more efficient, sustainable, and competitive logistics model

Choosing multimodal transport with Logista means optimizing the supply chain, improving delivery lead times, and moving towards a more efficient and sustainable logistics approach. It is a model designed to help your business stay one step ahead in an ever-evolving environment.

If you would like to assess which multimodal solution best fits your operations, our team can help you design a flexible, cost-effective logistics model aligned with your business objectives.