Intermodal transports: efficient planning across all modes of transport
Integrating road, rail and waterway transport is one of the most complex aspects of modern logistics. To manage intermodal transport chains economically and on schedule, shipping line schedules, rail slots, pre- and on-carriages by truck, and regulatory requirements need to integrate seamlessly. If these stages are planned in isolation from each other, there is a risk of costly downtime at terminals and information gaps.
At a glance:
The transport management system (TMS) CarLo combines all modes of transport on a single platform. The software breaks down complex multimodal chains into manageable digital segments and ensures the smooth flow of data and goods from collection to the final recipient.
CarLo features:
Smart workflows for your intermodal transport chains
CarLo eliminates operational complexity in combined transport through structured section planning, deep portal integrations and precise freight cost reallocation.
Structured section planning & schedule integration
- Precise splitting: The system automatically divides the overall order into logical sections (pre-carriage, main carriage, on-carriage) and assigns them to the respective modes of transport.
- Intelligent schedule data: Departure times for trains and ferries are stored directly in the system, enabling dispatchers to coordinate connections precisely and without delay.
- Multi-modal planning pool: Management of rail slots, ferry bookings and truck fleets within a single, visual user interface.
Seamless portal integration & digital data exchange
- Direct connection to industry leaders: Existing standard interfaces with leading intermodal providers significantly speed up the posting process.
- Automated data transfer: Seamless transmission of postings, status updates and cancellations directly to the system and the drivers.
- Continuous status tracking: Transparent information chains immediately inform dispatch of arrivals at hubs or delays in rail and sea transport.
Live-Kalkulation & automatisierte Kostenrückverteilung
- Real-time reallocation of revenues & costs: CarLo automatically calculates the profitability of individual sections and accurately allocates expenses and profits to the relevant modes of transport.
- Transparent multi-modal calculation: Precise recording of port charges, rail freight, demurrage and toll costs directly within the main order.
- Data-driven margin optimisation: Rapid identification of the most profitable route combinations and transport modes based on sound real-time analyses.
Case study
Optimisation of intermodal transports at IKG Spedition using CarLo
IKG Spedition, which specialises in intermodal transport as well as in part and full loads, has been using CarLo for over ten years to centrally manage complex transport processes across road, rail and sea freight. Thanks to the software’s flexible adaptability, internal processes have been gradually optimised and digitised.
- Customised process adaptation: Flexible modules have been specifically designed for internal requirements and workflows.
- Centralised management of multimodal transports: Transparent planning and management of transport chains across different modes of transport
- More efficient workflows: Optimised and redefined processes reduce administrative efforts
- Reduced workload for staff: Simplification of daily tasks across various areas of the business
- Ongoing digitalisation: Gradual introduction of digital processes for greater transparency and fewer data breaks
- Flexible development: Software customisations were continuously implemented in collaboration with Soloplan
By using CarLo, IKG was able to digitise its processes on a long-term basis and make them more efficient. The system’s flexible adaptability helped the company drive growth and manage complex intermodal transport processes centrally.
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Our TMS CarLo is used everywhere–in medium-sized companies, global corporations, forwarding companies and in the shipping industry–for global multimodal transports as well as for national orders and local transport.