Question

What does the term "intermodal transportation" refer to ?

• A. Using multiple types of transportation for a shipment
• B. Exclusive use of railways for cargo
• C. Road transportation only
• D. Air transportation combined with sea transportation

Hint:

The key to understanding intermodal transportation is the combination of different transport modes for one consignment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the meaning of "intermodal".
The prefix "inter-" means "between" or "among". In the context of transportation, it suggests the involvement of more than one mode. Step 2: Define "transportation".
Transportation refers to the movement of goods or people from one place to another using a particular mode (e.g., road, rail, sea, air). Step 3: Combine the meanings to understand "intermodal transportation".
Intermodal transportation, therefore, implies the use of multiple modes of transportation to move a shipment to its final destination. Step 4: Evaluate the given options based on this understanding.
(1) Using multiple types of transportation for a shipment: This aligns directly with the definition derived in Step 3.
(2) Exclusive use of railways for cargo: This involves only one mode of transportation (rail), so it is not intermodal. This is unimodal transportation.
(3) Road transportation only: This also involves only one mode (road), so it is not intermodal. This is unimodal transportation.
(4) Air transportation combined with sea transportation: While this describes the use of multiple modes, the term "intermodal" specifically emphasizes the seamless transfer of goods, often within containers, between different modes. Option (1) is a more general and accurate definition encompassing all combinations of multiple transport types in an intermodal system.
Step 5: Select the option that best defines "intermodal transportation".
Option (1) accurately describes the concept of using multiple types of transportation for a single shipment.