February 10, 2026

Multimodal transport - Efficient freight transport using multiple modes of transport

Multimodal transport throughout Europe. We combine road transport, rail transport, and shipping under one contract with high delivery reliability and flexibility.

When your company needs to move goods over long distances or through demanding routes, it often requires more than one mode of transport. Multimodal transport involves combining different modes of transport such as truck, ship, and train under a single contract, with one partner responsible for the entire journey from start to finish.

For companies with international transport needs, multimodal transport is often an economical and flexible solution. Instead of dealing with several separate agreements and carriers, you get one partner who takes care of the logistics.

What is multimodal transport?

Multimodal transport is a transport solution where goods are moved using at least two different modes of transport under a single freight agreement. The key advantage is that you only have one contract and one operator who assumes full responsibility for the entire transport.

Intermodal transport also uses multiple modes of transport, but each part of the journey is handled by different parties. This results in multiple contracts and multiple responsible parties. With multimodal transport, responsibility is consolidated in one place.

When multimodal transport is the right solution

Multimodal transport is not always the right solution, but there are situations where it has clear advantages.

International shipments over long distances are ideal. When goods have to cross continents or oceans, it is rarely possible to use only one mode of transport for the entire journey.
Routes with multiple transshipments or difficult access to the final destination require coordination between different modes of transport. In such cases, it makes sense to have one operator take care of the entire process.
When you want to optimize costs without compromising on safety or delivery time, combining shipping with fast road transport can provide the right balance.
Companies with limited logistics resources can also benefit from multimodal transport. If you don't have a whole team to handle cross-border logistics, it makes good sense to entrust the responsibility to an experienced partner.

Advantages of multimodal transport

When you choose multimodal transport, you gain access to several advantages.

Simplification of logistics

You get one partner who takes care of planning, booking, and transfers between modes of transport. Instead of coordinating with multiple carriers and managing different contracts, everything is gathered in one place. This saves time and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.

Efficiency and cost savings

By combining, for example, long-distance shipping with road transport for the final leg of the journey, you can achieve savings. Shipping is often cheaper than air freight, while rail transport can be a greener and more cost-effective choice on certain routes across Europe.

Clear division of responsibilities

Because the multimodal carrier is responsible for the entire transport, you know exactly who to contact in case of problems. There is no gray area between different actors.

More green benefits

Rail transport and shipping generally have lower emissions per ton of goods than road transport and air freight. By combining modes of transport wisely, you can reduce your company's carbon footprint while maintaining delivery reliability. Many companies today are required to document and reduce emissions throughout the value chain – multimodal transport allows you to choose greener alternatives without compromising on efficiency.

Multimodal transport at H. Daugaard

At H. Daugaard , we H. Daugaard more than 100 years of experience in organizing multimodal freight solutions across Europe. We know that your company's success depends on goods arriving on time and in good condition.

We combine road transport, rail transport, and shipping in a way that makes sense for your specific needs. With facilities in Kolding, Vejle, and Vamdrup, as well as an international presence in Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, we can handle the entire transport chain. Our warehouses are located close to ports and railways, ensuring efficient transshipment.

You will be assigned a single point of contact who is familiar with your business and your specific requirements. We handle everything from pickup to delivery to your customer, including all documentation.

Want us to help you?

Would you like to find out whether a combination of road, rail, and ship can optimize your transport? We will be happy to analyze your needs and assess which combination of transport modes makes the most sense for your specific goods. We are always open to a no-obligation chat about your options.