intermodal
in-ter-MOH-duhl
/ˌɪn.tərˈmoʊ.dəl/
Involving two or more different modes of transportation (such as truck, rail, and ship) without handling the cargo itself when changing modes.
Specifically refers to standardized containers shifted seamlessly between ships, trains, and semi-trucks.
The story behind the word. Coined in the mid-20th century following Malcolm McLean's revolutionary invention of the standardized shipping container, which allowed freight to jump smoothly 'between modes'.
Word relationships
- multimodal: Multimodal is similar but can involve single transport contracts covering varied modes with separate handling.
- unimodal: Using only one form of transportation for an entire delivery route.
Commonly confused with
- transshipment: Transshipment refers to the action of transferring goods, whereas intermodal describes the system.
Word family
- intermodalism (noun): The policy or system of intermodal freight transport.
Collocations
- intermodal container
- intermodal transit
- intermodal freight
- intermodal hub
Example sentences
- "By utilizing intermodal shipping, the firm reduced fuel costs by switching long legs from truck to rail." Supply chain optimization
- "The state invested heavily in modernizing intermodal transfer terminals near the deepwater port." Infrastructure policy
Memory hook
INTER-MODAL = INTER-connecting different MODES of transport. Between multiple modes of shipping.
When not to use
Do not use if cargo is unloaded and repackaged between different modes of transport.
Fun facts
- Over 90% of global manufactured goods spend part of their lifecycle inside an intermodal container.
Related words
Explore more words
transit, seamless, integrated, supply chain, maritime, interdependent
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