Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across all sectors of business. It’s a key differentiator. The steps you take to reduce your carbon footprint and enhance sustainable practices can impact everything from brand image to customer and investor appeal. And when it comes to logistics, sustainable practices can also often be more cost effective.
Multi-modal freight is a simple way to save your business money while enhancing your green credentials.
Multi-Modal Freight and Sustainability
What is multi-modal freight?
Multi-modal freight is the term used for the transportation of goods using two or more different modes of transport. This may include road, rail, air, and sea. Whichever combination of options gets your goods to where they need to be most cost-effectively and safely. It sounds complicated. But with a single freight forwarder managing the entire process, the only impact this will have on your business is reduced overheads and enhanced sustainability.
Why is multi-modal freight viewed as more sustainable?
There are multiple reasons why multi-model freight is considered to be more sustainable than working with a single mode of transport.
Reduced carbon emissions
Some modes of transport are more fuel-efficient than others. So, when you integrate more efficient transport forms, such as sea and rail, into your freight movement, you automatically reduce your carbon footprint. Even if you still need to rely on road or air for other parts of the journey.
Optimised routes
One of the most useful features of multi-modal transport is that it enables freight forwarders to choose the most efficient routes and modes of transport for your needs. This can be based on cost, environmental impact, or delivery speed. If sustainability is important to your brand, shipping goods by sea and then transporting them by rail to their final destination, with minimal road links in between, can be an effective solution.
Decreased congestion and pollution
By using a combination of transport methods, you can help to relieve the strain the road network. This helps to alleviate congestion and lower emissions.
Efficiency through technology
Multi-modal transportation has become more effective in recent years thanks to the developments within technology. With tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT), freight forwarders are better able to coordinate multiple transport modes. This reduces delays and optimises cargo handling, minimising unnecessary transportation. Reducing fuel consumption and enhancing sustainability, at the same time as adding transparency through real time tracking.
Multi-modal transportation is a flexible solution for businesses looking for a more sustainable approach to logistics. But because it relies on a variety of transport types, it’s also frequently more economical, particularly over long distances. And when organised by dedicated freight forwarders with an established network of partners and providers, multi-modal freight can be efficient and effective, as well as affordable and sustainable. Making it a popular choice for a wide variety of businesses.
Find out more about global multi-modal freight solutions from Plexus Freight.Â
