Multi Modal

multi modal freight | tli

One freight partner for every mode your operation ships.

Most shippers use multiple carriers across multiple modes and manage each relationship separately. TLI runs a multi modal freight program that covers parcel, LTL, volume LTL, partial truckload, truckload, expedite, intermodal, and international from one source. One account team. One TMS system. One invoice.

30,000+

Vetted Carrier Network

All Modes

Parcel through International

ViewPoint

One TMS for Every Shipment

MULTI MODAL FREIGHT EXPLAINED

What is multi modal freight?

Multi modal freight is a shipping approach where a shipper uses more than one mode of transportation to move goods, managed through a single provider or program. Rather than managing separate carrier relationships for parcel, LTL, and truckload, a multi modal freight program gives shippers access to all modes in one place.

Most shippers already ship multi modal without calling it that. A company that uses UPS for parcel, a regional carrier for LTL, and a truckload broker for full loads is shipping multi modal. The question is whether those modes are coordinated through one program or managed as separate relationships with separate invoicing, separate tracking, and separate account teams.

TLI offers an omni modal approach, meaning your team accesses every mode TLI manages through a single program, a single TMS system called ViewPoint, and a single account team that understands your freight across all modes.

FREIGHT MODES TLI MANAGES

Every mode in your multi modal freight program

TLI manages the following freight modes inside a single program. Your team quotes, books, and tracks all of them through ViewPoint TMS.

Small Parcel

Rate shop parcel shipments against LTL in ViewPoint. Print labels and schedule pickup in the same screen you use for freight.

Small Parcel Shipping >

Less-than-Truckload

Route smaller freight shipments through regional and national LTL carriers. TLI negotiates rates and manages carrier relationships on your behalf.

LTL Shipping >

Volume LTL

Compare standard LTL rates against volume rates at quoting. Larger shipments that do not fill a truck often move cheaper on volume LTL pricing.

Volume LTL Shipping >

Partial Truckload

Share trailer space with other shippers through a dedicated truckload carrier. You get truckload transit times at a shared cost.

Partial Truckload Shipping >

Full Truckload

Dedicated access to the full trailer through a vetted carrier. TLI manages 30,000+ carriers across dry van, flatbed, reefer, and specialty equipment.

Truckload Shipping >

Expedite

When freight has to move immediately, TLI taps its expedite carrier network to find solutions. Sprinter vans, straight trucks, and dedicated air options available.

Expedited Shipping >

Intermodal

When transit time allows, intermodal moves freight by rail for lower cost and lower emissions than truckload. TLI manages the drayage on both ends.

Intermodal Shipping >

International

TLI manages imports and exports by ocean and air. Trusted international partners, tracked through the same system as your domestic freight.

International Shipping >

Speciality Truckload

Flatbed, step-deck, conestoga, and temperature-controlled equipment available through TLI’s vetted carrier network. All equipment types, all lanes.

Truckload Shipping >

HOW TLI MANAGES MULTI MODAL FREIGHT

How a multi modal freight program works at TLI

TLI assigns every shipper an account team that understands their freight across all modes. Here is how the program works in practice.

Quote across all modes at once

ViewPoint pulls live rates from parcel and LTL carriers simultaneously. Your team compares and picks the best option for each shipment without logging into separate carrier portals.

TLI recommends the right mode

When a shipment has optimization potential, TLI’s account team flags it. A shipment moving LTL may be cheaper as volume LTL or partial truckload depending on weight, dimensions, and lane.

Track every mode in one place

Project44 pushes real-time carrier updates into ViewPoint across parcel, LTL, and truckload. Your team checks one screen, not six carrier websites.

One invoice for all modes

TLI consolidates freight billing across all modes into a single invoice. Your accounts payable team does not manage separate carrier billing relationships.

Vetted carriers across every mode

Every carrier in TLI’s network passes Highway vetting before moving freight. Insurance, authority, and identity confirmed before dispatch regardless of mode.

Report across all modes together

ViewPoint’s Power BI reporting module shows freight spend, carrier performance, and lane data across every mode in one dashboard. No manual data pulling.

ViewPoint manages every mode in your multi modal freight program

ViewPoint is TLI’s TMS system. Your team quotes, books, tracks, and reports across all modes in one platform. No separate logins for parcel, LTL, and truckload.

REQUEST A VIEWPOINT DEMO

See ViewPoint running your freight program

Schedule a 30-minute demo with a TLI specialist. We will show you ViewPoint using your lanes and freight modes so you can see exactly how it works for your operation.

Live walkthrough of quoting, booking, and tracking

Learn about our reporting capabilities

Ask questions about ERP integration and vendor routing

30-minute call, no commitment required

Request a ViewPoint Demo

frequently asked questions

Common Questions About Freight Technology

What is multi modal freight?

Multi modal freight is a shipping approach where a shipper uses more than one transportation mode, managed through a single program or provider. TLI’s multi modal freight program covers parcel, LTL, volume LTL, partial truckload, truckload, expedite, intermodal, and international in one account.

What is the difference between multi modal and intermodal?

Intermodal is a specific shipping method that moves freight by more than one form of transport, typically truck and rail, in the same container. Multi modal freight is a broader term for a shipping program that covers multiple transportation modes. TLI offers intermodal as one of the modes inside its multi modal freight program.

What is omni modal freight?

Omni modal freight describes a freight program where a single provider manages all transportation modes for a shipper. TLI takes an omni modal approach, meaning your team accesses every mode through one account, one TMS system, and one account team rather than managing separate carrier relationships by mode.

How does TLI decide which mode to use for a shipment?

TLI’s account team reviews weight, dimensions, lane, transit requirements, and cost for each shipment and recommends the right mode. ViewPoint also flags optimization opportunities when a shipment may move cheaper or faster on a different mode than the one selected.

Does TLI manage parcel and LTL in the same program?

Yes. TLI manages parcel through Shippo and LTL through its carrier network, both accessible inside ViewPoint TMS. Your team can compare parcel and LTL rates for the same shipment and book the better option in one step.

How many carriers does TLI work with?

TLI works with 30,000+ vetted carriers across all modes. Every carrier passes Highway vetting for insurance, authority, and identity before moving freight under a TLI program.