Samskip Multimodal Transport: The Sustainable Alternative

We are committed to delivering reliable logistics and protecting the environment. Therefore, we make it our priority to emit less carbon emissions.

That is why we choose multimodal transport. By using different modes of transport, we achieve a more sustainable and flexible supply chain. For example, shortsea vessels, inland barges, trains, and trucks.

Every time we can, we replace truck by rail or ship. This is why we also provide tailored, sustainable solutions to meet our customers’ needs.

Key Benefits

reduce carbon emissions

Minimized CO2 Emissions

through routing optimization

carbon footprint

Carbon Footprint Reduction

by shifting to green alternatives like vessel, rail transport, and greener fuels

handling with care

Reliable Service & Capacity

with our growing footprint

customer support
We Speak Your Language

one point of contact for all your questions and business needs

Infographic illustrating environmental and logistical challenges of road freight, including emissions, oil dependency, congestion, and safety issues.

Why Choosing Multimodal Transport?

As a logistics company, we know we have an impact on the global carbon footprint. Therefore, it is our responsibility to change it to ensure a sustainable future. We do this by taking a multimodal approach

Rail freight emits only 25% of the CO2 of road freight for the same distance. In addition, by using multimodal transit , CO2 emissions can be reduced by over 50% on many routes. By using intermodal transport, we solve the issues linked to road freight: congestion, shortage of drivers and weekend driving bans.

We also improve capacity: rail and waterways can handle larger volumes of cargo.

Finally, multimodality is used to meet the objectives set by the EU. Governmental strategies are designed to encourage multimodal transport:​

  • EU policies: deliver 30% shift off the road by 2030 and >50% by 2050
  • Expanded laws: German Maut changes increased Co2 emissions tax for heavy goods vehicles on 1st December 2023​

At Samskip the Multimodal Dance is in everything we move

There’re not just roads where we go. It isn’t just the river, or only the sea. And we run, on more than rails alone. We cover all these transport modes to be of service. To keep the promise. To get your cargo there, where it needs to be.

The multimodal dance is in everything we move. It’s the smarter way to look at freight and the reason’s plain to see. When the key, to keeping promises, is always having an alternative; when there’s no place where we cannot reach when every mode of transport has its own perfect appeal.

We are Samskip. We make every journey count.

Samskip Supports The Modal Shift

The Modal Shift is a change of mode of transportation from one type to another.

It can take different forms, such as:

  • From Road to Rail
  • From Road to Waterways

Among the environmental benefits, Multimodal transportation reduces CO2 emissions.

It also decreases accident rates, which are more likely to happen when using road transport.

Reliability is another improvement made possible by the modal shift. Indeed, road transport is often subject to traffic delays whereas the Samskip multimodal rail terminal option and ship offer more reliable and predictable schedules.

At Samskip, we actively invest in multimodal transit solutions to support the Modal Shift and ensure long-term viability in transportation and logistics.

Modal shift in logistics: moving from road-dominated transport to a mix of rail, sea, and road.
Samskip container handling at intermodal terminal.

Our Extensive Multimodal European network

Sustainable multimodal and logistics solutions

With high frequency services connecting destinations across Europe, the Baltic States, Central Asia and the USA, Samskip provides multimodal logistics solutions and a extensive European intermodal transport and Global Forwarding network.

Europe map Samskip

FAQ’s

Helping logistics professionals navigate the switch from road to multimodal

Multimodal transport refers to the movement of goods using two or more modes of transport, typically road, rail, and sea under a single contract. It lets you combine the cost-efficiency of rail and sea for long-haul legs with the flexibility of trucks for first and last-mile delivery.
In Europe, multimodal logistics is growing steadily. Over 363 million tons of goods are moved annually via intermodal rail alone; about one-third of all rail freight.

FTL involves one truck moving goods from A to B. Multimodal uses multiple modes but under one contract. It’s more complex behind the scenes, but the experience for you remains unified and reliable.
Multimodal is ideal for longer distances, offering lower costs and emissions. FTL wins on speed and flexibility.

It’s worthwhile to mention that multimodal requires drivers only for first and last mile, which helps to address growing shortage with lack of truck drivers. 

Pro Tip:
Use multimodal for the maximum 70–80% of your flow that doesn’t require fast delivery. Keep road transport as a buffer for urgent or sensitive loads.

Transit times range from 7 to 14 days, depending on the route and handover points. While slower than FTL, it’s highly predictable if planned properly.

Pro Tip:
Buffer your internal planning with 1–2 extra days for terminal handling and consider using event-based visibility tools to track progress across modes.

You may need to adjust production schedules, warehouse staffing, and inventory buffers. The change is manageable but it requires alignment.

Pro Tip:
Involve your supply chain partners early, such as warehouse operations, planning, and the receiving party. Joint planning ensures everyone stays aligned.

The standard is the 45’ high cube pallet-wide container. It fits:
• Up to 33 Euro pallets (1.2 x 0.8 m)
• Or 26 industrial pallets (1.2 x 1.0 m)
• Max pallet height: 2.6 meters
• Gross weight: up to 25.5 / 26 tons (route-dependent)
• Rear loading only no side access

Pro Tip:
If your product is top-heavy or awkwardly shaped, ask to trial load a container first to avoid surprises in volume or loading time.

Yes. While it’s less flexible than road, multimodal runs on fixed schedules that are increasingly stable. Risks like congestion and delays are managed through contingency planning.

You get a single Seaway Bill (SWB) for the entire journey. No need for separate documents for each leg. Upon delivery, a signed POD is available via MySamskip Customer Portal.

Containers are rear-loaded only. Drivers don’t assist with loading or unloading due to liability rules, so teams must be trained and warehouse staff is typically responsible for securing the  cargo.

Pro Tip:
Use dock levelers or ramps to streamline loading. Train staff on container safety protocols and plan time for loading into schedules.  You can also ask your operator if can supply lashing belts or other equipment.

Multimodal is great for:

  • Regular, non-perishable goods
  • High-volume B2B cargo
  • ADR, waste
  • Forecasted flows

Avoid for:
• Urgent shipments
• Complex multi-drop or retail-style deliveries

Cargo travels in sealed containers through ISPS-certified terminals secure zones monitored 24/7. Tampering is rare.

Pro Tip:
Lower pilferage is a hidden benefit. Share this with your customer service team. It’s a value point often overlooked.

Absolutely. Switching from road to rail or sea can reduce emissions by up to 80%, supporting your sustainability goals.

Pro Tip:
Use Samskip’s CO₂ Calculator to demonstrate your emissions savings. These numbers help build a greener supply chain story.

We coordinate schedules between vessels, trains, and trucks with synchronized planning, real-time tracking, and consistent monitoring.

Pro Tip:
Ask the operator for past performance data on your route. That builds trust and transparency.

MySamskip Customer Portal gives real-time tracking across all legs, with event milestones and notifications available to your team.

Our operations team proactively monitors and updates customers. Contingency routing and dynamic ETAs minimize the impact.

Pro Tip:
Always buffer your delivery windows slightly. That margin keeps your customer relationships strong, even if something unexpected happens.

Yes. Samskip offers 45ft reefer containers with constant temperature monitoring, including new direct reefer services from Morocco.

Ask yourself: Is the cargo regular, full-load, and B2B? Does it tolerate a slightly longer transit time? If yes multimodal is likely a match.

Your local Samskip representative is ready to help. We speak your language, know your market, and are here to support your journey.

Yes. Samskip provides full onboarding support, including planning help, container loading advice, and system coordination.

Pro Tip:
Involve your planning and operations team from day one. Early engagement builds confidence and success.