DISRUPTIONMGMT [ INSIGHT ]
by Aaron Freedman CEO, ACI Transport AFreedman@acitransport.com | 248-607-7642
How Multimodal Freight Bolsters Domestic Supply Chains
Global trade has experienced volatility due to shifting tariffs and port issues, making international sourcing riskier and harder to plan. Consequently, more companies are pursuing domestic sourcing for increased control and shorter transit times. But even U.S.-based logistics operations face challenges such as varying lead times and equipment availability.
international supplier, transportation will be a key part of the equation. Cost- per-pound, lead time, and equipment availability all factor into the decision. Having the ability to price, plan, and execute across modes allows teams to adapt quickly when the market (or policy) demands it. A FUTURE-READY FREIGHT SYSTEM While multimodal transport offers many advantages, managing different carriers, routes, and transportation types takes time and experience. This is where a broker can be a valuable partner, coordinating across networks, advising on mode selections, and identifying inefficiencies others might miss. Real-time visibility is also essential. In a multimodal environment, freight might pass through several handoffs and transit points. A single-source logistics provider enables end-to-end tracking across all legs of the journey, ensuring shipments are secure at every step. Unpredictability has become part of doing business. And when things are in flux, the ability to shift gears is a major advantage. Multimodal logistics supports that kind of agility, helping teams build supply chains that are efficient, resilient, and ready for the road ahead. n
manufacturer sourcing components overseas might ship full containers by ocean when time allows, but pivot to air when production timelines tighten. Once those parts reach the U.S., they will likely travel through multiple hubs, perhaps arriving at a factory in the Midwest before transferring to a distribution center in the Southeast, and then reaching the end user via a smaller outbound run. Each stage of this journey will call for a different mode of transport. Multimodal shipping is also a smart financial move. Choosing the most cost-effective transportation method for each segment can help businesses control costs without compromising on service quality. Multimodal thinking is influencing how many U.S.-based companies reconsider their sourcing strategies. For instance, if a buyer is evaluating whether to purchase from a regional or
Therefore, a multimodal transportation model is becoming essential to keep pace with demand. When international trade policies shift, the ripple effects are immediate. Dramatic swings have become the norm, and this volatility doesn’t stop at the loading dock. A delayed shipment can throw off production schedules, compress margins, and impact customer delivery timeframes. What was once a logistics issue now cuts across the entire business. A multimodal approach gives shippers more options, creating resilience. Matching freight to the right mode of transport for each leg of the journey offers enhanced speed and flexibility, helping businesses stay on schedule, on budget, and in sync with customer expectations. That flexibility shows up in how companies respond under pressure. A
22 Inbound Logistics • October 2025
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