Back to the article list The role of intermodal transport is growing rapidly every year. How does the road transport contribute to its development?
The TSL industry is increasingly turning to the benefits of the intermodal transport. This versatile solution makes it possible to significantly improve the entire process of transporting goods. Behind the efficiency of the intermodal transport there is its versatility, resulting from the simultaneous use of different modes of transport within a single supply chain.
The road transport definitely occupies an important place. However, intermodal transport of goods on the road would not be possible without the use of BDF combinations. It is a very flexible and convenient solution to save time and optimise the entire supply chain.
Why is intermodal transport an important direction in logistics?
The key element contributing to the efficiency of this process is the use of a common loading unit, compatible with each mode of transport used. It helps to avoid the need to reload the goods being transported. The interchangeable container can be easily transferred between individual vehicles in the whole supply chain.
The universal loading unit allows us to fully exploit the potential offered by the use of multiple modes of transport. For example, containers delivered by sea can be transported inland by rail and then taken over by truck-operated road transport. It’s also possible to use specially adapted wide-body aircraft, which extends the scope of intermodal transport by air.
The use of aligned transport unit enables amazing efficiency to be achieved in the process of transporting goods. The passage of the heaviest intermodal train in history may be an example The transport organised in March 2021 as part of the cooperation between PKP CARGO and logistics operator A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S 90 was composed of containers which were to be transported from Euroterminal Sławków in Silesia to the North Port in Gdańsk. The record total weight of the road train was 3,335.73 tonnes. These figures are undoubtedly impressive – but it would not have been possible if it hadn’t been for the support of the truck transport based on BDF systems.
Swap Bodies – A Key Solution for the Intermodal Road Transport
The transfer of cargo by adapted trucks fulfils a key role in the functioning of the supply chains based on the intermodal transport. The reason for this is the high versatility of this solution, far superior to other forms of transport. Using the road and motorway network, trucks can reach places which are inaccessible to rail networks or waterways.
In order to make effective use of trucks in the intermodal transport, it is necessary to use a swap system in the vehicle specially designed for this purpose. This solution, commonly referred to in Poland as a BDF system, is based on using a body that is not an integral part of the trailer or vehicle. The way the BDF swap systems work is very simple. The bodies can easily be separated from the truck or trailer transporting them.
The ability to leave the swap body in a given place to a great extent simplifies the transport process. The driver, after delivering the cargo to the designated place, doesn’t need to wait for its unloading – after leaving the goods at the target location, he or she can immediately continue the journey with another container. Therefore, the use of the BDF system makes it possible to significantly shorten the entire process of transferring cargo between the units carrying out the order. In this way, the swap bodies contribute to supply chain optimisation and time savings.
XBond BDF bodies
An excellent example of BDF swap systems are the bodies manufactured by our partner – the German company XBond. The European intermodal transport standards were taken into account while developing the solutions. XBond swap bodies are characterised by a very high functionality, which translates into both efficient delivery and sheer comfort for the vehicle driver.
XBond offers two models designed for intermodal transport. The first of them is the XB1212 steel swap body. This BDF system uses the reliable construction of a classic steel container. The universal construction of this swap body is designed to provide the best possible protection for the cargo, which is also ensured by the lashing rings and pallet stops.
The other product from Xbond is the XB8345 swap body. This lightweight construction focuses on flexibility, both in the intermodal transport process and during the actual unloading of the transported goods. The roller shutter used on this BDF system is robust and convenient to use – its mechanism allows it to be operated easily with just one hand.
Both models meet the highest European quality standards, as evidenced by the certificates they have received: EN 12642 Code XL, EN 12640 and EN 283.
GT and XBond – Family Businesses in Intermodal Transport
Cooperation with XBond is one of many steps Gniotpol Trailers is taking in order to promote and further develop intermodal transport in Poland. Their products and solutions are really close to our philosophy. As industry specialists, we have been stressing the important role of these solutions in the TSL industry for many years. This was demonstrated at the IMS Intermodal Show, which we organised and which was specifically dedicated to BDF swap systems.
