GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026
Combined Freight Transport
A shipper books a consignment that travels by truck to a rail terminal, covers the bulk of the journey by train, and reaches the consignee via a final road leg—this is combined freight transport in practice.
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Source: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Glossary:Combined_Transport
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Definition & Explanation
A shipper books a consignment that travels by truck to a rail terminal, covers the bulk of the journey by train, and reaches the consignee via a final road leg—this is combined freight transport in practice. The term refers to transport chains where the predominant portion of the route is handled by rail, inland waterway, or sea, with short road pre- and end-carriage legs. The loading unit—typically a container, swap body, or semi-trailer—remains unchanged throughout; only the carrier changes at transhipment terminals. This modal approach relieves road congestion, significantly reduces carbon emissions, and is frequently more cost-effective than all-road solutions for medium to long distances. The EU maintains a dedicated regulatory framework that defines and promotes combined transport, setting it clearly apart from conventional road haulage.
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