GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026

Combined Transport Planning

Combined transport planning comes into play when shipments are too large, too heavy, or too carbon-intensive for road-only solutions.

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Last updated: 23 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/modes/combined-transport

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Definition & Explanation

Combined transport planning comes into play when shipments are too large, too heavy, or too carbon-intensive for road-only solutions. The discipline involves designing multimodal transport chains in which the main haul – selected on the basis of distance, volume, and cost efficiency – is assigned to a non-road mode such as rail or inland waterway, while pre-carriage and on-carriage run by truck. Key planning variables include transshipment terminal capacity, rail or barge timetable windows, buffer times at interchange nodes, and cross-mode document coordination. Poorly timed connections are the most common operational pitfall: a missed train slot at a terminal can quickly eliminate the cost advantage over direct road haulage. The planning process must also account for the regulatory and infrastructure constraints applicable in each market involved.

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Combined Transport Planning

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