Features of intermodal transportation of grain cargo

Grain is one of the most important food products. Nowadays there is a growth of container transportation of bulk cargo and, in particular, grain cargo. The transportation of grain requires the consideration of many factors, which complicates the requirements for the organization of the transportation process. Intermodal transportation of grain plays a special role in solving the problem of starvation in the poorest countries of the world, as well as in international trade with the countries of Southeast Asia and China. The article considers the features of intermodal transportation of export grain cargo. On the basis of the analysis of statistical and reporting data the urgency of the problem of grain export with the steady growth of the volume of grain cargo transportation in specialized containers is explained, the classification of grain crops is made, the risk factors of grain transportation by sea transport are considered, the logistics chain of grain delivery in bulk is analyzed. Advantages and disadvantages of transportation of grain cargoes in specialized containers, including economic factors, are listed. It is concluded that to increase the efficiency of transportation of grain cargo in specialized containers it is necessary to improve the organization of logistics process, infrastructure, as well as technologies of terminal and warehouse infrastructure.