Combined Transport

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Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kombinierter_Verkehr

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Definition & Explanation

Combined transport comes into play when long-haul legs need to shift from road to more resource-efficient modes. Goods remain throughout in a single standardized load unit – container, swap body or semi-trailer – while the main haul is carried out by rail or inland waterway. Pre- and end-carriage road legs are kept as short as practicable, and the load unit is never opened or the cargo rehandled at the modal interchange. This sets combined transport apart from conventional transshipment, where cargo is physically moved between vehicles. The concept is recognized EU policy and supported by modal shift targets. The related term Kombiverkehr refers to a legally defined subset with specific eligibility criteria for subsidies and toll exemptions.

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Related Terms

Transport declaration (Passar)

Digital Transport Slip (DTS)

Rail freight transport

Substitute transport (Ersatzverkehr)

Federal Office for Goods Transport (BAG)

Multimodal Transportation

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