Intermodal vs Multimodal Transportation: What’s the Difference?

 Though often used interchangeably, intermodal and multimodal transportation have distinct meanings. In intermodal transportation, each mode of transport has its own contract and responsibility. Goods remain in a single container, transferred across modes—rail, truck, ship—without being unpacked. Multimodal transportation, on the other hand, involves a single contract covering all modes, with one carrier taking end-to-end responsibility. Both systems aim for efficiency, but intermodal offers more flexibility in carrier selection and cost optimization. Multimodal is preferred for simplicity and ease of coordination. Understanding the difference between intermodal and multimodal transportation is crucial when selecting the right approach for your business, based on control, liability, and operational preferences.