Back to the article list Intermodal transport and BDF systems are the future of modern logistics. Discover their advantages now at the IMS Intermodal Show.
As experts in transport technology, at Gniotpol Trailers we are responsible for developing ground-breaking intermodal solutions for trucks. Not only do we manufacture reliable BDF systems, but we also work with many European specialists who share our view on the development of this sector.
This commitment gave rise to the idea of the IMS Intermodal Show – an industry event organised by Gniotpol Trailers. The main theme of the IMS was the popularisation of BDF systems in Poland. The new event will take place on 10 June 2021 and will present the practical benefits of this form of transport. . This article constitutes an introduction to this topic, presenting the concept and history of the intermodal transport.
Intermodal Solutions for Road Transport
The assumptions of intermodal transport are simple. It consists in using a common load unit to streamline the process of transporting goods using different modes of transport. Thanks to its application, individual links in the supply chain do not have to wait for goods to be reloaded. All that needs to be done is to transfer between them a common cargo unit, such as a container or swap body. This translates into a broadly defined optimisation of the entire process. Intermodal transport saves both time and resources.
This solution dates back to the nineteenth century, the time of the English industrial revolution. Then the first iron-made containers were used in Wales. They helped transport coal mined in the Neath Valley to the docks in Swansea. From there, sea transport could easily take cargo to other parts of the country. And while the form of intermodal transport has undeniably developed since those days, its principles remain unchanged. Today, the use of a common cargo unit also makes it possible to make the most of the advantages of the various forms of transport.
In Poland, the intermodal transport is steadily gaining importance. According to the data from the Office of Railway Transport, the number intermodal transport passages in our country is growing systematically, and the share of intermodal transport in the market has increased from 8.25% to 10.65%. This translates into a steady increase in demand for intermodal solutions in road transport. Trucks suitable for intermodal transport are a desirable element in the logistics processes at large companies. They are also used in the development of e-commerce in its broadest sense.
Intermodal Transport on Polish Roads
Appropriate technological solutions are required in order to adapt trucks to the requirements of the intermodal transport. These include swap bodies and BDF bodies, which allow the transport of standardised cargo units. Their effectiveness has been repeatedly proven on the roads of the European Union and the United States. In addition to the optimisation of the transport process itself, BDF systems are a desired solution due to their reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional road transport solutions.
In Poland, however, BDF systems are still a relatively new solution, which is just gaining popularity. As specialists in transport technology, we are pleased to be pioneers in this field in Poland. For years we have been actively promoting the concept of using intermodal solutions in trucks. Our commitment to the development of the BDF systems market gave rise to the idea of the Intermodal Show – an industry trade fair dedicated to the intermodal transport.
Our first ever IMS trade show took place in September 2018. Then the Malnia-based Gniotpol Trailers branch became a place for promoting intermodal transport. At this unique trade fair, everyone had an opportunity to learn about the latest solutions and products in this field. The Intermodal Show showed how BDF swap systems work in practice and how their use can change the face of transport in Poland.
IMS’21 – A New Edition of the Trade Fair
Now, in 2021, IMS is returning in a completely new version. This year’s Intermodal Show will be held as an on-line event. On 10 June all intermodal transport enthusiasts will be able to get acquainted with new trends in BDF systems, presented by Gniotpol Trailers together with its strategic partners, XBond and SDG.
However, IMS’21 is not only an opportunity to get acquainted with new products which are to revolutionise the market of BDF systems. The event will be enhanced by meetings with numerous speakers who will share their experience and thoughts on the intermodal transport and the TSL industry with the audience.
Among the speakers are CEO of Gniotpol Trailers Agata Duliniec, CEO of ZET Transport Jan Załubski, Development Director of MASZOŃSKI Logistic Hubert Tyka, Michał Kubalok, Proxy of Schavemaker Intermoda, and CEO of Best Driver Paweł Stachowski. Robert Noworolski is going to talk about the work model of a forwarding agent, and finally we’ll be treated to an energetic speech by a Special Guest, about which we’ll write more just before the event. The event will be hosted by Adam Kornacki, a motoring journalist known from TVN TURBO station.
Visit the official IMS’21 website today! You will find there both the registration form for the event as well as the agenda of all scheduled meetings and the full list of speakers taking part in the Intermodal Show.
