multimodalité

07:30 Jun 20, 2020
French to English translations [PRO]
Bus/Financial - Transport / Transportation / Shipping / Refrigeration logistics
French term or phrase: multimodalité
"La zone de Saint-Loubès possède une bonne connection à l’autoroute A10 ainsi qu’un accès à la N89. La particularité de la zone de Saint-Loubès est sa *multimodalité*"

From a valuation of a refrigeration/cold logistics platform (basically a massive refrigerated warehouse for storing perishables before shipping them out in refrigerated trucks). This section is discussing Bordeaux's top 'zones' for the refrigeration logistics sector, and what particular advantages each has. The 'zone' in Saint-Loubès is distinguished by its *multimodalité*. No further explanation of what that might mean is given, although a list of the main businesses set up in that 'zone' is given, which includes a biopharmaceutical company, a wine shipping company, a construction materials specialist, and other logistics specialists. It's my understanding that 'multimodality' has quite a narrow meaning, something to do with 'multiple forms of media', which does not seem quite right, however I may have to use this term if I can't get at what the valuation company really meant.

My suspicion is that they simply meant something like 'multi-purpose' or 'multi-use' (i.e. a variety of companies have set themselves up there) but you may have better/other suggestions. If in doubt, I'll certainly just use 'multimodality'. Thanks again for your thoughts on this.
Charlotte Allen
United Kingdom
Local time: 21:31


Summary of answers provided
4 +1multimodality
TimothyLango
5intermodality
Michael Roberts


Discussion entries: 4





  

Answers


18 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
multimodality


Explanation:
Multimodality characterizes the presence of different means of transportation which allow connecting one point to another, one place to another. These means of transportation are parallel and are differently used for covering the same itinerary.

This appears to go with the logistics context.


    https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=multimodalit%C3%A9&index=frt&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs
TimothyLango
Kenya
Local time: 00:31
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  mrrafe: Yes, I didn't see your answer when I commented.
12 mins

agree  philgoddard
8 hrs

disagree  Michael Roberts: Multimodal involves the use of two or more modes but with one contract through a single carrier who is legally liable for the entire process. (see my answer for references)
1 day 2 hrs
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1 day 2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5
intermodality


Explanation:
Intermodal: Intermodal transportation is the movement of goods in an intermodal container or vehicle, using two or more modes or carriers, during its journey from shipper to consignee.
Multimodal transportation, also known as combined transportation, also involves the use of two or more modes or carriers, but with one contract through a single carrier who is legally liable for the entire process.
The French term 'multimodalité' does not cover the fact there is a single carrier who is legally liable'

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Note added at 1 day 3 hrs (2020-06-21 10:31:59 GMT)
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I also came across this 'false-friend' while interpreting for a logistics-themed international conference and noticed Anglophones used 'intermodality' rather than 'multimodality'

Example sentence(s):
  • Intermodal freight terminals connect the different modes of transport (rail, road, and inland waterways) of intermodal transport chains,

    https://www.shipag.com/blog/2017/08/intermodal-versus-multimodal-whats-difference-and-which-should-you-select/
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_freight_transport
Michael Roberts
Morocco
Local time: 21:31
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in FrenchFrench

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  mrrafe: But would the potential client, looking for a location, recognize the difference? The author probably doesn't.
1 day 8 hrs
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