Abstract
A basic assumption of many scientific theories on the topic of decision making is rational behaviour. However, previous authors assume the existence of behavioural biases in freight transport which impede rational decision making. Hardly any research exists on behavioural biases in freight transport. To address this gap, we carry out a systematic literature review on the influencing factors of freight mode choice and provide empirical evidence for the occurrence of behavioural biases in the logistics sector. Fifteen logistics service providers and six shippers are involved in interviews and a focus group to understand their mode choice process and derive information on the existence of behavioural biases. Several biases showed to exist in the practical decision-making process. For example, decision makers tend to avoid complex options (principle of least effort), they stick to already tried and tested options (status quo bias, zero-risk bias) and they tend to make decisions based on immediate and easily accessible information (availability bias). These biases distort the demand for sustainable freight transport. We therefore conclude with several motivational, cognitive and technological debiasing strategies to reduce the negative impact of behavioural biases in freight transport.
Highlights
The transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of the total greenhouse gas emissions in Europe [1]
Inland waterway and rail are considered to be environmentally friendly transport modes because they cause lower emissions and external costs compared to road or air [4]
This indicates that behavioural biases exist which impede rational decision making based on measurable criteria and which hamper the use of inland waterway transport
Summary
The transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of the total greenhouse gas emissions in Europe [1]. Inland waterway and rail are considered to be environmentally friendly transport modes because they cause lower emissions and external costs compared to road or air [4]. In personal informal conversations with logistics managers, it often becomes clear that arguments such as “we have always done it this way” play a role in freight mode choice This indicates that behavioural biases exist which impede rational decision making based on measurable criteria (e.g., cost and time) and which hamper the use of inland waterway transport. Which measures can be taken to eliminate behavioural biases in freight mode choice and to promote decision making in terms of sufficiency?.
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