Maximum flexibility and efficiency in your logistics chain.
From sea freight to road transport, and from rail to air freight: Manage intermodal and multimodal routes easily and clearly with Adaption’s Forwarding Management System (FMS).
Intermodal transport combines multiple transport modalities such as truck, train, ship, or airplane, while keeping the cargo in the same loading unit (e.g., a container or trailer). This means the goods themselves are not reloaded along the way, minimizing the risk of damage and delays. In intermodal transport, each leg of the journey is often performed by a different carrier. Therefore, multiple contracts and agreements are usually required, which demands careful planning and communication.
Example of intermodal transport
A container with machine parts departs by truck from Eindhoven to the port of Rotterdam. There, it is shipped to Barcelona and then transported by train to Madrid. Separate transport agreements are made for the three segments. This allows for selecting the best carrier and route for each part, but requires a system that effectively manages planning and administration.
Multimodal transport also uses multiple modalities, but with one key difference: it always occurs under a single transport agreement and with one responsible party, known as the multimodal transport operator. This operator is responsible for coordination, transport management, and compliance from departure to delivery.
The advantage of this approach is that as a shipper or forwarder, you only need one contract, have one point of contact, and receive one invoice. This significantly simplifies the process, but requires good coordination between the various modalities behind the scenes. The multimodal operator ensures this coordination, including arranging connections, documentation, and tracking.
Example of multimodal transport
A shipment of consumer electronics departs from Antwerp to Warsaw. The route goes by ship to Hamburg and then by train to Warsaw. The client signs only one contract with the multimodal operator, who plans, executes, and monitors the entire route. Any changes, such as a delayed arrival in Hamburg, are handled directly by the operator without the client needing to contact multiple parties.
Intermodal transport requires tight planning, precise coordination, and full transparency, as multiple carriers and contracts are involved. Each leg has its own agreements, costs, and status updates. Without the right tools, this can quickly lead to errors, delays, and high administrative burdens.
Advanced, visual planning board
Plan and monitor each segment, including modality, carrier, loading and unloading moments, on one central timeline. This makes it easy to spot bottlenecks and quickly replan in case of changes.
Smart management of multiple contracts
Easily link the correct contract to the appropriate segment, including rates, conditions, and durations. This prevents errors and speeds up and improves billing accuracy.
Integration with carriers and partners
Import booking confirmations, tracking data, ETAs, and costs directly from your carriers’ systems. This ensures you always have the most current information without duplicate entry.
Automatic and targeted status updates
Automatically inform customers and partners about loading times, departures, arrivals, and any delays. All parties work with the same, up-to-date data.
The planboard in Adaption’s FMS gives transport planners real-time overview and control over their trips. With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you plan quickly and efficiently, with immediate insight into routes, vehicles, and loads. Ideal for optimal deployment and cost control.
Curious what this could mean for your organization? Request a non‑binding demo today and experience the benefits of the Logistics Cloud Suite yourself.
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Multimodal transport requires an integrated approach where all modalities, route segments, and documentation come together in one contract under one responsible party. The challenge lies in seamlessly connecting different modalities without losing information or causing delays.
One central master order
All segments, from departure to final destination, are linked to one overarching order. Planning, documents, costs, and communication are bundled, maintaining clarity.
Automatic document management
Generate and manage all required documents (CMR, Bill of Lading, waybills) from one location. Documents are immediately available to internal teams and external partners, ensuring smooth handovers.
Track & Trace across modalities
Track the entire shipment in real time, even when it switches modalities. This provides a single clear status display for the whole journey, keeping customers informed at all times.
Detailed cost allocation per modality
Analyze which parts of the journey are most expensive and where the margins lie. This makes it easier to calculate sharp quotes and improve profitability per route.
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central place. That way, you always have an overview, collaborate more efficiently, and avoid mistakes caused by fragmented information. Everything you need, right at hand.
Curious what this could mean for your organization? Request a non‑binding demo today and experience the benefits of the Logistics Cloud Suite yourself.
Complete control
From quote to invoicing, all data in one system.
Customer communication
Your customers always see the current status of their shipment.
Efficiency
Less manual input, fewer errors, faster planning.
Insight
Analyze lead times, costs, and performance per modality or segment.
With Adaption, you transform complex transport flows into streamlined, profitable processes, regardless of the number of modalities or parties involved.
Yes, our FMS supports planning, tracking, and invoicing multiple modalities within one order or across multiple orders.
With real-time Track & Trace and automatic notifications, immediate action can be taken in case of delays, such as rescheduling connecting transport.
Absolutely. The system is flexible enough to support both scenarios, including the associated contract structures.
Yes, Adaption offers integrations with carriers, customer portals, and other logistics software.
With Adaption’s FMS, you effortlessly manage the most complex transport flows. From planning and contract management to real-time tracking and invoicing, everything in one clear system.