Intermodal transportation service is a freight movement system that utilizes standardized cargo units (containers or semi-trailers) and combines two or more modes of transportation to reach the final destination. The goal is to simplify travel, reduce costs, and minimize environmental pollution. The transfer of freight from one transportation system to another does not involve direct handling of the goods.

Intermodal freight transport, also known as combined transport, involves the longest part of the shipment by sea, while the initial and final shorter parts take place by road through a truck.

The sender requests shipment of his freight inside a container or semi-trailer; a truck picks up and delivers the cargo to the port of departure; a container terminal transfers the freight unit from the truck to the ship:. The semi-trailer is loaded directly onto the ship or the cargo is loaded onto another mode of transport. The ship travels a long distance to the nearest port to the place of delivery; another truck loads the container and takes it to the final destination or the semi-trailer is hitched to a vehicle which continues its journey to its destination.