Glossary

Piggy Back Transport

Definition

Piggyback transport, also known as intermodal or combined transport, is a method of freight transportation that combines the use of two or more modes of transportation, such as rail and truck. In piggyback transport, truck trailers or shipping containers are loaded onto railcars or flatbed rail wagons, allowing them to be transported over long distances using the rail network. At the destination rail terminal, the trailers or containers are offloaded and transferred back onto trucks for the final leg of the journey to the delivery point.

— sennder Team

FAQ

Piggyback transport is a method of freight transportation that combines two or more modes of transportation, such as rail and truck, to transport truck trailers or shipping containers over long distances.
In piggyback transport, truck trailers or shipping containers are loaded onto railcars or flatbed rail wagons, transported via rail, and then offloaded and transferred back onto trucks for the final leg of the journey.
Benefits of piggyback transport include reduced road congestion, lower fuel consumption, decreased emissions, potential cost savings, and increased flexibility in cargo transportation.
Piggyback transport is suitable for a wide variety of cargo types, including dry goods, perishables, hazardous materials, and oversized loads. However, certain cargo types or specific transport requirements may be better suited for other transportation methods.
By reducing road congestion, fuel consumption, and emissions, piggyback transport contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering the overall carbon footprint of freight transportation.
Example or usage in road freight logistics

A logistics company needs to transport a large shipment of goods from a manufacturing plant to a distribution center located 500 miles away. Instead of sending the shipment entirely by truck, the company chooses to use piggyback transport. The truck trailers carrying the goods are loaded onto railcars at the origin rail terminal and transported via rail to the destination rail terminal. Upon arrival, the trailers are offloaded and transferred back onto trucks for the final leg of the journey to the distribution center.

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