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Intermodal transport

What is intermodal transport, and how does it differ from multimodal transport?

Intermodal transport is the movement of goods in a single loading unit (like a container or swap body) using multiple modes of transport, such as rail, sea, and road, without any handling of the freight itself when changing modes. This reduces the risk of damage and increases efficiency compared to multimodal transport, where goods might be handled or moved between different units during the journey.

Is intermodal transport only for long distances?

​​While intermodal transport is traditionally most cost-effective for distances over 500-700 km, Move Intermodal’s extensive network and high frequency of departures make it a viable and competitive solution for mid-range European lanes as well. Our 60 weekly train shuttles ensure that even shorter corridors benefit from the reliability of rail.

What are the primary cost advantages of choosing Move Intermodal?

By shifting the long-haul segment of your transport to rail or water, you can achieve cost savings of 10-30% compared to road-only transport. Additionally, intermodal transport is less sensitive to fluctuating fuel prices and road tolls, providing more stable and predictable pricing for your supply chain.

How flexible is intermodal transport for last-minute changes?

While rail schedules are fixed, our "synchromodal" setup allows us to switch to road transport immediately if your production planning changes or if an urgent deadline arises. This gives you the reliability of rail with the flexibility of a traditional trucking company.

Can I ship smaller volumes (LTL) intermodally?

Yes. At Move Intermodal, we manage everything from a single pallet (LTL) to Full Truck Loads (FTL). Our groupage department specializes in consolidating smaller shipments into full containers, allowing you to benefit from the sustainability and cost-efficiency of our intermodal network, regardless of your shipment size.

Can you handle dry bulk products intermodally?

Move Intermodal is a leader in dry bulk logistics. Our unique "bag-in-box" concept, introduced in 2005, uses specialized containers and 100% recyclable liner bags to transport bulk products like plastics, food, and minerals safely and sustainably.

What is the maximum weight I can load in an intermodal unit?

Due to regulatory exemptions, intermodal transport allows for 4 ton higher payloads than standard road transport. For example, our specialized coil swap bodies can carry up to 30 tons, allowing you to transport more volume in fewer shipments.

How much CO2 can my company save by switching to intermodal?

Rail freight emits only 25% of the CO2 compared to road transport for the same distance. By switching to Move Intermodal, most customers reduce their CO2 footprint by 50% to 75%, and on specific routes, this can even reach up to 90%.

How does Move Intermodal help with CSRD and carbon reporting?

We offer tools that allow you to check live CO2 savings realized through our partnership. This data is essential for modern CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) requirements and helps you document your environmental impact for audits and stakeholders.

Does intermodal transport help solve the European driver shortage?

Yes. By using rail for long-distance transport, we significantly reduce the need for long-haul drivers. This allows us to use local drivers for the "first and last mile," offering them better working conditions and a healthy work-life balance, which ensures a more stable and reliable transport capacity for you.

Reliability and operations

How can a higher payload per container actually reduce my total logistics costs?

Intermodal units, such as our specialized 45ft swap bodies, allow for a payload of up to 30 tonnes (depending on weight restrictions per country). By transporting more weight per shipment compared to standard road transport, you reduce the total number of shipments needed, lowering the cost per tonne and minimizing handling movements at your loading docks.

​​How does Move Intermodal guarantee “Just-in-Time” delivery without using traditional trucking?

We use the "Terminal-as-a-Warehouse" principle. By pre-positioning your containers at a terminal close to the final destination, we can deliver to your plant on-demand. This creates a buffer in your supply chain, making you less vulnerable to production fluctuations or road congestion.

What happens if a train is delayed?

Thanks to our end-to-end control and proactive monitoring, our team sees potential delays in real-time. Because we control 60 company shuttle trains per week and have a large own fleet, we can often reschedule or use our road network to ensure your production line never stands still.

How do you ensure on-time delivery despite rail congestion or strikes?

We operate a high-frequency network with 60 of our own company shuttle trains per week, which gives us greater control over capacity and scheduling. If disruptions occur, our "synchromodal" approach allows us to quickly pivot between rail, road, or water to ensure your goods reach their destination on time.

How safe is my cargo when moving between truck and train?

Your cargo is extremely safe. Because the goods remain in a sealed container or swap body throughout the entire journey, there is no intermediate handling, which significantly reduces the risk of theft or damage.

How does “sealed container” transport improve my cargo security?

In intermodal transport, the loading unit is sealed at your warehouse and only opened at the final destination. Because there is no intermediate transshipment of the goods themselves (only the container moves), the likelihood of theft or damage during transport is minimal.

What quality certifications does Move Intermodal hold to ensure safe transport?

We are fully committed to high industry standards, including ISO 9001 and SQAS (Safety & Quality Assessment for Sustainability). We also participate in the "Operation Clean Sweep" and "Responsible Care" programs to ensure environmental safety during transport and handling.

Can you handle both bulk and packed goods within the same network?

Absolutely. We offer a wide range of innovative supply chain solutions for different types of cargo. Whether you need to transport specialized dry bulk using our 'bag-in-box' concept or packed goods from a single pallet to a full truckload, our extensive intermodal network is equipped to handle your specific needs across Europe.

How does Move Intermodal support my business during a sudden increase in demand?

With a fleet of over 3,000 loading units and 60 of our own company shuttle trains per week, we offer guaranteed capacity and high flexibility. Our "synchromodal" approach allows us to scale quickly and switch between transport modes, ensuring we can always design a tailor-made solution that meets your business’s peak demands.

How does the ‘bag-in-box’ concept ensure the purity of my bulk products?

Our innovative 'bag-in-box' concept, which we pioneered in 2005, uses specialized containers fitted with custom-made, single-use liner bags. This method eliminates the risk of cross-contamination between different loads, as the product never comes into contact with the container itself. It is the ideal solution for high-purity products in the chemical, polymer, and food & feed industries.

Can Move Intermodal handle hazardous (ADR) goods safely?

Yes. Safety is our top priority, especially for hazardous transport. Move Intermodal is SQAS-certified, meaning our processes meet the highest safety, quality, and environmental standards of the chemical industry. Additionally, we actively participate in the 'Operation Clean Sweep' (OCS) program to prevent pellet loss during transport and handling, ensuring a sustainable and responsible supply chain.

What role do your drivers play in the specialized bulk unloading process?

Bulk transport requires more than just driving. Our drivers are highly skilled and undergo intensive training specifically for the correct securing and unloading of liner bags. Through our mobile driver app, they stay in continuous connectivity with our planning team, ensuring a seamless flow and allowing us to provide you with real-time updates on your delivery.

What types of loading units do you use for packed transport?

We utilize a diverse fleet of over 3,000 units, including 45ft containers and swap bodies that offer the same loading capacity as a standard trailer. For specific industries, we provide specialized equipment such as "coil-well" swap bodies for the steel sector.

How is the security of my packed goods guaranteed across borders?

Your goods are loaded into a container or swap body that is sealed at the point of departure and remains closed until it reaches its destination. Because the unit itself is moved between train and truck without handling the internal cargo, the risk of damage or theft is significantly minimized.

Is groupage transport slower than direct road transport?

While groupage involves a consolidation phase, our high-frequency network of 60 company shuttle trains per week ensures a fast and reliable transit. By utilizing fixed rail schedules, we can offer competitive lead times and high reliability, often bypassing road congestion and weekend driving bans.

Do I need a full container to use your intermodal network?

No, our groupage department is specifically designed to handle smaller shipments, from a single pallet to partial loads (LTL). We consolidate your goods with other shipments in our own containers, allowing you to benefit from the cost and CO2 advantages of intermodal transport without needing a full load.

Which regions are covered by Move Intermodal’s services?

Our network covers all major industrial hubs across Europe. We have a particularly strong presence and high-frequency connections in corridors between the Benelux, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Türkiye ensuring your shipments reach their destination anywhere in our network.

Where are Move Intermodal’s warehouses located?

We operate strategic storage and cross-dock facilities in Genk (Belgium), Venray (The Netherlands), and Novara (Italy). These locations are perfectly positioned as hubs within our intermodal network to ensure seamless transitions between storage and transport.

What value-added services (VAS) do you offer in your warehouses?

With over 4,000 m² of space, we provide more than just storage; we offer a range of value-added services including labeling, packaging, re-palletizing, and specialized handling. This allows you to outsource part of your supply chain to us, ensuring your goods are market-ready upon delivery.

Can I use your containers or warehouse for “Just-in-Time” factory deliveries?

Yes, our warehouses and terminal storage options allow for a "Terminal-as-a-Warehouse" approach. You can store safety stock near your destination, enabling us to deliver your goods to the factory exactly when needed, which helps you manage production fluctuations and avoid stops.

Specialized goods and services

Does Move Intermodal have experience in my specific industry?

We have a proven track record in a wide range of sectors, including Steel, Tiles, Chemicals, Food & Feed, and Waste. For each industry, we have dedicated teams and specialized equipment tailored to the unique requirements and challenges of that specific cargo.

How do you design a tailor-made intermodal solution for my company?

Our goal is to understand your business first. We conduct a thorough analysis of your current supply chain and logistics flows. Based on this insight, we design a customized intermodal solution that balances cost-efficiency, speed, and sustainability to add real value to your operations.

Can I benefit from intermodal transport even if I don’t have a large volume?

Absolutely. We support businesses of all sizes. Whether you need to move a full truckload (FTL) or just a few pallets (LTL/Groupage), our flexible network allows us to integrate your shipments into our large-scale intermodal corridors, ensuring you get the same 'green' benefits as high-volume shippers.

Do I need stanchions for loading steel coils in your containers?

No, our reinforced coil wells are designed so that stanchions are not needed (for L/D≥0.66). This speeds up the loading process while maintaining the highest safety requirements.

What type of steel products can you transport?

Our fleet is fit for a wide range of products, including wire, bundles, plates, coils (diameter 900-2000mm), and any combination of these. We use specialized curtain-side swap bodies with reinforced sliding roofs for easy top-loading.

Can you handle extreme weights for the steel industry?

Yes, our intermodal equipment is among the lightest in the market, allowing us to carry high payloads up to 30 tons per unit.

What are your quality standards for handling chemical products?

Safety and quality are deeply incorporated into our operations, as evidenced by our outstanding SQAS score of 95% and a 100% score for the Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) program.

How does Move Intermodal support “Just-in-Time” deliveries for chemical plants?

We use our extensive network of depots and terminals for intermediate storage. By using containers as flexible storage locations near your site, we maximize delivery performance while minimizing total costs.

Can you transport dangerous goods (ADR)?

Yes, we offer "one-stop shopping" for the chemical industry, providing innovative and sustainable solutions for dangerous goods in packed form.

How does Move Intermodal prevent damage to fragile ceramic tiles during transit?

We minimize the handling of individual pallets by using a "sealed container" principle and a dedicated tiles team that understands the specifics of the cargo. Our direct contact with tile factories and depots across Europe ensures a seamless flow with minimal risk.

What is the “4-ton benefit” for tile shipments?

By switching to intermodal transport, you gain a 4-ton payload advantage compared to standard road transport. This allows you to transport more tiles per shipment, directly lowering your transport costs per ton.

Which tile regions are covered by your network?

We have a high capacity and guaranteed availability in the major tile-producing hubs, including Emilia Romagna (IT), Castellón (ES), and the regions of Coímbra and Leiria (PT).

How do you guarantee hygiene during the transport of food and feed?

Hygiene is paramount; we have HACCP principles deeply incorporated into our operations and provide continuous training and awareness for our planners and drivers.

Do you offer specialized services like fumigation?

On demand, we can provide fumigation in the container, ensuring your food or feed products meet all phytosanitary requirements.

Is Move Intermodal licensed to transport hazardous waste?

Yes, we are fully licensed for both hazardous and non-hazardous waste transport (including ADR) and have over 100 own licensed trucks and drivers in Italy, the Benelux, and Germany.

How can you help me navigate complex waste regulations?

We provide a dedicated in-house waste coordinator to support your operations and ensure that all documentation and transport movements comply with strict environmental laws.

Which equipment is used for bulk waste transport?

Depending on the type of waste, we use 30ft and 45ft box containers, open-top bulk containers, or 45ft curtain-side swap bodies.

Partnership and pricing

How does the pricing of intermodal transport compare to long-term road contracts?

Intermodal pricing is generally more stable over the long term because it is less affected by the volatility of diesel prices and the shortage of truck drivers. We often work with annual agreements to provide our customers with budget certainty.

Does Move Intermodal offer a complete door-to-door solution?

Yes, we manage the entire supply chain from A to Z. We take full control of the process, including the "first mile" collection by truck, the intermodal long-haul (via rail or water), and the "last mile" delivery to the final destination. This provides you with high transparency and a single point of contact for your entire shipment.

What equipment does Move Intermodal provide?

We have a diverse own fleet of over 3,000 loading units, including specialized equipment like coil swap bodies (with a 30-ton capacity) and containers specifically designed for dry bulk products.

Can Move Intermodal integrate with my existing ERP system?

Yes, we support EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) integrations to automate order placement and status updates, reducing manual errors and saving time for your logistics team.

What geographic areas does your network cover?

We operate a pan-European network with 250 employees across 7 countries. We connect all major industrial hubs, with a particularly strong presence in corridors between the Benelux, Germany, Italy, Türkiye and Spain. Other locations are connected through our extensive road network.

Are there always containers available nearby?

With a fleet of 3,000 loading units and an extensive network of depots, we ensure that equipment is always available nearby to meet your capacity needs.

Do you handle customs clearance for shipments outside the EU (e.g., UK or Switzerland)?

Yes, we provide full support for customs documentation and formalities through our specialized partners and internal expertise, ensuring your cross-border intermodal shipments move without administrative delays.

Can I track my shipment in real-time?

Absolutely. We provide end-to-end shipment visibility across all transport modes. Through real-time milestone updates, from departure at the terminal to the final-mile delivery, you can track your goods and make proactive decisions based on accurate data.

Can Move Intermodal help me design a new supply chain from scratch?

Yes. With over 30 years of experience as a pioneer in the sector, we act as a strategic partner. We analyze your current road flows and design a tailor-made intermodal solution that optimizes both costs and CO2 emissions.

Request a quote

Are you interested in the services of Move Intermodal? We would be glad to provide you an intermodal solution for your transport flows throughout Europe.

You can direct your rate request directly to our sales team by filling out the form! We will provide you a competitive offer as soon as possible.