Intermodal Transport created by the combination of at least two different modes of transport within a single transport chain united by the intermodal loading unit, which contains the cargo transported. If the transfers between the modes are carried out at intermodal terminals and the longest part of the journey is done by rail or waterborne means, it is the considered as Combined Transport (CT)
The parties involved in road-rail Combined Transport are as follows:
Combined and Intermodal Transport Operators (CTOs or ITOs)
Economic actors who assume the commercial risk for producing a Combined Transport service. The operators buy transport capacity from the railway undertakings in volumes ranging from a single loading unit (distribution traffic) to a full train. CT Operators typically supply the wagons required either of their own or as a rental from other wagonkeepers. CT Operators market the capacities of the longest (non-road) segment of a CT-chain to shippers and consignors (CT Customers).
Infrastructure managers (IMs)
Rail infrastructure managers provide access to the rail infrastructure network and manage the traffic in exchange for a fee (track access charge). Rail Freight Corridors – part of European Transport Corridors – are operated by groups of IMs and they may also be used to obtain (pre-arranged) train paths from. Shunting yards and stations are also managed by IMs.
The road network is managed by public companies or private companies under concession. Charging on the motorway network is performed by or on behalf of public authorities. Emergency rescue is provided by the firefighters, while police forces carry out enforcement duties.
Waterways used by waterborne intermodal operations like rivers or canals, as well a ports, are under the management of a diverse range of infrastructure managers, most of whom are public companies.
Railway undertakings (RUs)
The railway undertakings provide rail traction services by means of locomotives and highly qualified drivers. RUs are frequently asked to organise the train paths and occasionally to provide rental wagons to form the CT trains. Shunting service providers are also RUs, who provide the rail first- and last-mile operation in case this is needed to/from a particular terminal.
Barge operators and shipowners
The maritime or inland waterway carriage of waterborne Combined Transport is handled by barge- and ship-owners and/or operators active in inland navigation and seafaring.
Transshipment terminal operators (TOs)
Terminals are the gateway between the road network and the non-road modes of transport used in Combined Transport: rail or waterways. Terminals contract directly with the CTOs.
Wagon keepers, and -leasing companies
Intermodal wagons used in CT trains may be directly owned by the CTOs, rented from RUs, or in a third case they can be rented from professional wagonkeepers and -leasing companies.
Combined Transport customers
In most cases, the buyers of Combined Transport services are freight transport companies, freight forwarders or logistics companies, which themselves carry out or contract-out the delivery of the loading unit to the point of departure and/or its collection at the point of arrival using trucks. An increasing number of CT customers are consignors or logistics service providers who do not double as road hauliers.
Intermodal road hauliers
Most road hauliers carry intermodal cargo in case their trucks are not busy with other assignments.
Specialist trucking firms emerge around busy intermodal hubs who are dedicated to operating CT road legs. Some terminals and CTOs also offer road haulage services.