Jun 20, 2020 07:30
3 yrs ago
31 viewers *
French term

multimodalité

French to English Bus/Financial Transport / Transportation / Shipping Refrigeration logistics
"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.
Proposed translations (English)
4 +1 multimodality
5 intermodality
Votes to reclassify question as PRO/non-PRO:

Non-PRO (2): philgoddard, Yvonne Gallagher

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Discussion

Andrzej Ziomek Jun 22, 2020:
"Multimodal transport' and 'multimodal platform' being more frequent, the word 'multimodality' seems to exist too: http://ines-danube.info/goto.php?target=file_1482_download&c...
polyglot45 Jun 20, 2020:
It is definitely "multimodal" meaning served by several different modes of transport. In other words, road/rail/waterway etc.
Suzie Withers Jun 20, 2020:
Multimodal Whilst "multimodality" seems to exist as a noun, the more common usage in logistics contexts is as an adjective, e.g. "multimodal transport", so I would suggest rephrasing to use the adjectival form.
mrrafe Jun 20, 2020:
Transportation? As an EN-speaking US'er I immediately assumed multimodal transportation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimodal_transport), until reading Asker's discussion. Note also the direct segue from multimodality to the A10 and N89. Et encore plus, le SNCF! https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Loubès.

Proposed translations

+1
18 mins

multimodality

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.
Peer comment(s):

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

intermodality

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:

Intermodal freight terminals connect the different modes of transport (rail, road, and inland waterways) of intermodal transport chains,

Peer comment(s):

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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