Learn how to get into multi-modal shipping with four clear steps to streamline your supply chain transport operations and explore efficiency opportunities.
Step 1: Determine Your Transportation Modes
The first step to get into multi-modal shipping is understanding the specific types of transport your freight requires. Multi-modal shipping involves using different modes of transportation—such as truck, rail, sea, or air—within a single shipment journey. Consider what each mode offers. For example, trucking offers speed over short distances, while rail is cost-effective for long hauls. Review your shipping volume, distance, and cost priorities to decide which modes will serve your needs best.
Defining your transportation needs up front helps create a seamless shipping strategy. This way, you’re clear on each segment’s role in moving freight from origin to destination.
Step 2: Choose a Multi-Modal Broker
Selecting the right vendor is crucial for smooth multi-modal shipping. Choose a broker experienced in multi-modal and intermodal logistics—like ShipTLI. A strong broker will have established connections across all transportation modes and will coordinate each leg of your journey. ShipTLI, for instance, provides end-to-end multi-modal solutions, simplifying the process for shippers by combining all transportation modes under one contract.
With ShipTLI, you don’t need to juggle different vendors for each mode. We take on the responsibility of securing each leg of your shipment, so you can focus on your core business.
Step 3: Complete Necessary Paperwork and Packaging
Documentation is essential for a successful multi-modal journey. Each mode of transport may require specific forms, permits, or customs paperwork, especially if your shipment crosses borders. Coordinating paperwork across modes ensures smooth transitions and keeps your freight moving without delays. Packaging is equally important, as each mode handles freight differently—prepare your goods for handling requirements for trucks, rails, or ships.
Your freight broker can guide you through the BOL creation. This step minimizes delays and protects your shipment during transit. Other essential documents may include commercial invoices, which detail the value and contents of your shipment for customs authorities. These invoices are crucial for determining applicable duties, ensuring compliance, and calculating taxes. Another important piece of information is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code, a standardized system used internationally to classify goods based on their material, purpose, and origin. The HTS code helps customs determine the correct duty rate for each item, which is vital for avoiding unexpected fees and ensuring smooth border crossings. Properly preparing these documents helps your shipments move without delays, reducing the risk of fines or holds at customs.
Step 4: Route Your Shipment for Optimal Efficiency
Once you’ve determined your modes, chosen a freight broker, and finalized paperwork, it’s time to route your shipment. A skilled brokerage, like ShipTLI, uses advanced logistics tools to design efficient routes that meet your timelines and cost objectives. Multi-modal shipping often involves route planning across states or countries, making expertise in routing essential for saving on costs and time.
If you’re shipping high volumes, consider adding freight data analytics and reviewing shipment history. Analytics can uncover efficiency opportunities and route optimization potential that lower costs over time. For instance, if TLI manages an intermodal load, we handle the complete journey—from initial truck pickup and cross-docking to rail transport, transloading, and final delivery across borders.
Multi-Modal Shipping Made Easy with ShipTLI
Multi-modal shipping doesn’t have to be complex. By following these four steps—determining modes, choosing an expert broker, handling paperwork, and routing—you’re well on your way to an efficient, and repeatable shipping strategy. And with ShipTLI, you can access all-in-one solutions and an all-in cost for total peace of mind.