#multimodal logistics

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India’s auto industry stands at a pivotal moment. As the world’s fourth-largest automotive producer, the stakes have never been higher: logistics costs in India account for nearly 14% of GDP, compared to 8–10% in developed markets. With free trade agreements (FTAs) opening new doors, the ability to move vehicles efficiently is now a make-or-break factor for global competitiveness.

Multimodal logistics services—the seamless integration of road, rail, sea, and air—are fast becoming the backbone of India’s auto export growth. For manufacturers and exporters, these innovations are not just about cutting costs but about unlocking new markets and opportunities in the post-FTA era. 

Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Competitiveness 

The integration of multiple transport modes—road, rail, sea, and inland waterways—has significantly improved cost efficiency and reliability for Indian exporters. By reducing the burden of documentation, streamlining customs, and minimizing time lost at trans-shipment points, multimodal logistics enables faster movement of goods. India aims to lower logistics costs from 14% of GDP to below 10%, as per JUSDA. For the automotive sector, where timely and predictable deliveries are critical, these efficiencies boost global competitiveness. 

Infrastructure and Policy Support 

Government initiatives such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, the development of Multi-modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) have significantly strengthened the logistics backbone for auto exports. These efforts improve connectivity between industrial hubs and ports, reduce lead times, and facilitate the seamless movement of vehicles and components. With added support from dedicated freight corridors and multimodal transport hubs, supply chains are better integrated—making it easier for automakers to tap into markets unlocked by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 

Post-FTA Opportunities 

Recent FTAs, such as the India-UK agreement, are lowering tariffs on automotive exports. For example, tariffs on cars are set to drop from over 100% to 10% over the next 10–15 years. This makes efficient, cost-effective logistics even more crucial. Multimodal logistics services enable Indian exporters to respond quickly to demand surges and access distant markets with competitive pricing. 

Cross-Border Plant-to-Plant Movement 

Improved documentation and multimodal corridors now allow for smoother cross-border plant-to-plant movement. Consolidation hubs, common documentation, and digital tracking systems reduce double handling and delays, ensuring timely delivery to international assembly lines. 

Challenges in Scaling Multimodal Logistics 

Fragmented and Outdated Fleet: Dominance of small, outdated trucks and lack of specialized vehicles.

Infrastructure Gaps: Congested highways, poor road and port conditions, and limited warehousing service. 

Regulatory Complexity: Multiple clearances and extensive paperwork, despite the Multimodal Transportation Act of 1993. 

Fragmented Warehousing: Many unorganized operators with limited modernization. 

Port Congestion: Dwell times at Indian ports average 3.4 days, compared to less than a day at leading global ports. 

Lack of Skilled Labor & Technology Adoption: Affects efficiency and supply chain visibility. 

Suboptimal Modal Mix: Over-reliance on road transport; minimal use of rail and waterways. 

Policy and Coordination Challenges: Siloed decision-making among government agencies. 

Strategic investments in infrastructure, digitalization, policy reforms, and industry consolidation are essential to unlock the full potential of multimodal logistics.  

How Triton Is Advancing Multimodal Logistics for India’s Auto Exports 

Triton Logistics and Maritime delivers integrated, customized logistics services solutions for the automotive sector:  

Certified Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO): Licensed by FIATA and AMTOI, connecting ocean, road, rail, and air into a unified logistics chain. 

End-to-End, Tailor-Made Solutions: Covering plant-to-port, port-to-port, and final overseas delivery. 

Strategic Infrastructure & Equipment: Modern fleet and handling equipment for safe, efficient movement. 

Seamless Cross-Border Movement: Linking ICDs, consolidation hubs, and ports for synchronized plant-to-plant logistics. 

Digitalization & Visibility: Advanced IT systems for end-to-end tracking and proactive communication. 

Value-Added Services: Risk management, cargo insurance, reverse logistics, and flexible warehousing service 

Our Impact on India’s Auto Export Competitiveness 

Reduced Transit Times & Costs: By integrating multiple transport modes, Triton helps automakers cut logistics costs and achieve faster deliveries, supporting India’s goal to lower logistics costs as a percentage of GDP. 

Enhanced Reliability: Triton’s multimodal approach reduces dependency on any single mode, mitigating risks from disruptions and ensuring on-time delivery to global customers. 

Scalability & Flexibility: Our solutions are scalable to support both high-volume exports and specialized shipments, making them ideal for the evolving needs of India’s automotive sector in the post-FTA landscape. 

Drive Export Success with Triton 

Logistics is a strategic advantage in today’s export landscape. Triton Logistics and Maritime offers multimodal solutions that lower costs, improve reliability, and support global expansion. 

Download our whitepaper on auto export logistics or get connected with us for a tailored consultation that aligns with your growth goals. 

Supply Chain Efficiency: Choosing the Right Multimodal Logistics Provider | DahNAY Logistics

Choosing a Multimodal Logistics service offers significant advantages, including cost savings and environmental benefits by reducing your business's carbon footprint. A reputable multimodal logistics provider should have the necessary experience, expertise, and a robust global network. They should leverage technology for enhanced visibility and efficiency, while also providing comprehensive customer support.

Explore our blog: Is Sea Shipment the Cheapest Option? Exploring the Multimodal Alternative

Multimodal logistics in India is a topic that has garnered paramount importance in logistics seminars, webinars, and Government logistics policies. Before we delve deeper to understand why it is widely discussed, let us first understand what multimodal logistics is.

  What is multimodal logistics?

 Multimodal logistics is a type of freight movement where there is an involvement of more than one mode of transportation. Through multimodal logistics, goods are moved from point of origin to point of destination by using a combination of two or more means of transport such as air, sea, rail, and road. It is also important to know that there is no change in handling of goods in this type of freight movement, only the mode of shipping changes. In other words, the container in which the goods are moved across various modes of transportation remains the same.

 Most of the logistics companies in India offer multimodal logistics as one of their services. There are several benefits of shipping goods through multimodal transportation due to which more and more people are choosing multimodal transportation over any single mode of transportation.

 What type of containers are used for multimodal freight?

 There are various types of containers used for multimodal freight movement. Based on the type of goods, transport type, and other aspects concerning the ease of movement, the container is chosen. An experienced logistics service provider can assist with determining the container type for your goods.

 Bulk container - This type of container is used to transport bulk freight such as grains or other bulk goods (solid). The specialty of this container is it has openings on top for upper loading and at the bottom for easier emptying. Bulk container measures 20 feet.

 Tank or cistern container - Bulk liquids and liquid gases are transported in this type of container. It is in the form of a tank protected by a steel frame. It has valves both at the top and bottom making loading and unloading of goods easier.

 Open-top half-height container - With the top part of the container open and shorter in height, this type of container is appropriate for transporting voluminous and heavy goods such as minerals or semi-finished materials.

 Open-side container - This type of container has a side opening for putting highly voluminous goods inside such as pipes, heavy machinery, special equipment, etc.

 Flat platform - It’s a unique type of container and doesn’t have a roof or walls. Measuring about 20 or 40 feet long, it allows the transport of goods that are so voluminous that they cannot fit through doors, roof or sides in a normal container. After the freight is placed on the platform, it is covered with a resistant canopy.

 Igloo container - This type of container is appropriate for air transport and is used only when one of the modes of transport is air.

 Swap box - Although it is grouped under containers, it is a special sized box that can easily be transported by trucks on roadways.

 Advantages of multimodal logistics

 Multimodal logistics comes with a plethora of advantages due to which its demand is increasing with time. Some of the advantages are as under:

 Bypasses port congestion and contributes to the reduction of congestion

Reduces cargo transportation time

Reduces transportation cost

Reduces customs costs

Provides greater security

Reduces the risk of loss due to theft

Multimodal logistics in India has found a special place in the PM’s Gati Shakti plan and hence, has a promising future. It will be interesting to seehow the multimodal logistics flourishes in the days to come.

 To know more: https://jeena.com/multimodal-logistics-india.php

भारतीय रेलवे ने अब तक 15 गति शक्ति कार्गो टर्मिनल शुरू किए हैं

मल्टीमॉडल लॉजिस्टिक्स सुविधाओं के लिए अगले तीन वर्षों में 100 प्रधानमंत्री गति शक्ति कार्गो टर्मिनल विकसित किए जाएंगे 15 दिसंबर, 2021 को शुरू की गई ‘गति शक्ति मल्टी-मोडल कार्गो टर्मिनल’…

Multimodal logistics in India is a topic that has garnered paramount importance in logistics seminars, webinars, and Government logistics policies. Before we delve deeper to understand why it is widely discussed, let us first understand what multimodal logistics is.

 What is multimodal logistics?

 Multimodal logistics is a type of freight movement where there is an involvement of more than one mode of transportation. Through multimodal logistics, goods are moved from point of origin to point of destination by using a combination of two or more means of transport such as air, sea, rail, and road. It is also important to know that there is no change in handling of goods in this type of freight movement, only the mode of shipping changes. In other words, the container in which the goods are moved across various modes of transportation remains the same.

 Most of the logistics companies in India offer multimodal logistics as one of their services. There are several benefits of shipping goods through multimodal transportation due to which more and more people are choosing multimodal transportation over any single mode of transportation.

 What type of containers are used for multimodal freight?

 There are various types of containers used for multimodal freight movement. Based on the type of goods, transport type, and other aspects concerning the ease of movement, the container is chosen. An experienced logistics service provider can assist with determining the container type for your goods.

 Bulk container - This type of container is used to transport bulk freight such as grains or other bulk goods (solid). The specialty of this container is it has openings on top for upper loading and at the bottom for easier emptying. Bulk container measures 20 feet.

 Tank or cistern container - Bulk liquids and liquid gases are transported in this type of container. It is in the form of a tank protected by a steel frame. It has valves both at the top and bottom making loading and unloading of goods easier.

 Open-top half-height container - With the top part of the container open and shorter in height, this type of container is appropriate for transporting voluminous and heavy goods such as minerals or semi-finished materials.

 Open-side container - This type of container has a side opening for putting highly voluminous goods inside such as pipes, heavy machinery, special equipment, etc.

 Flat platform - It’s a unique type of container and doesn’t have a roof or walls. Measuring about 20 or 40 feet long, it allows the transport of goods that are so voluminous that they cannot fit through doors, roof or sides in a normal container. After the freight is placed on the platform, it is covered with a resistant canopy.

 Igloo container - This type of container is appropriate for air transport and is used only when one of the modes of transport is air.

 Swap box - Although it is grouped under containers, it is a special sized box that can easily be transported by trucks on roadways.

 Advantages of multimodal logistics

 Multimodal logistics comes with a plethora of advantages due to which its demand is increasing with time. Some of the advantages are as under:

 Bypasses port congestion and contributes to the reduction of congestion

Reduces cargo transportation time

Reduces transportation cost

Reduces customs costs

Provides greater security

Reduces the risk of loss due to theft

Multimodal logistics in India has found a special place in the PM’s Gati Shakti plan and hence, has a promising future. It will be interesting to seehow the multimodal logistics flourishes in the days to come.

To know more: https://jeena.com/multimodal-logistics-india.php