Intermodal transport is the movement of cargo in the same loading unit, typically a container, across road, rail and sea without handling the goods themselves at mode changes, reducing damage and contamination risk for food shipments.
In trade practice
For containerised frozen food, intermodal moves allow a reefer container to transfer between truck, train and vessel without breaking the seal or disturbing the cargo. Logistics teams must confirm that reefer power is available at each terminal and that temperature loggers record continuously through the transfer. A common oversight is failing to book reefer plug slots at rail terminals in advance, which can result in the container sitting unpowered and the cold chain breaking before the sea leg begins.
In a specification
Shipping instructions and logistics contracts for intermodal moves should specify the container type, required set temperature, plug availability requirements at each terminal, and the party responsible for monitoring at each transfer.