Development Process of Intermodal Transport Solutions: The Case of Dedicated Solutions Based on Large Shippers’ Volumes

Edith Sorkina

doi:10.4236/jtts.2012.24035

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to create a process view of the development of intermodal transport solution from the basic idea to implementation. Special case of dedicated solutions based on large shippers’ volumes is chosen, where the shippers engage in the development process of the new solutions. Research is conducted using a qualitative approach: multiple case studies. Empirical data has been obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews with relevant respondents involved in the development projects. Shippers’ perspective on the development process is studied. Development process can be described through a generic four-stage process: Initiation, Planning, Implementation, and Further Development. Different actors and different resources are required at the different stages. The complex process of establishing new intermodal solutions has lacked attention in the intermodal research. Understanding and improving the development process of new intermodal solutions is considered to have an important effect on the viability of intermodal transport and can help to understand the barriers that prevent companies from switching to intermodal. Development process of new dedicated intermodal solutions is a gradual process of building up the transport solution in a continuous interaction between shippers and transport service providers. Research has focused on the shipper perspective on inter-modal transport, showing that switching to an intermodal transport is not simply a mode choice issue, but involves a transition process that takes time, demands resources, cooperation/coordination between multiple parties, may require changes in the supply chain beyond the transport link, involves multiple actors, and involves an industry that is itself in a process of change.

Highlights

Intermodal transport is “the movement of goods in one and the same loading unit or vehicle, which uses successively two or more modes of transport without handling the goods themselves in changing modes [1].” The rationale of using intermodal transport is to exploit the natural advantages, the different transport modes provide, in combination
In a way the ideas for potentials intermodal solutions in all 3 cases were born long before the official start of the projects that led to the implementation of all 3 new intermodal solutions
The research presented in the current paper has aimed to describe the complex process of development of new intermodal solution based on large shipper volumes, where the shipper engages in the development and the later management of the new intermodal solution

Summary

Introduction

Intermodal transport is “the movement of goods in one and the same loading unit or vehicle, which uses successively two or more modes of transport without handling the goods themselves in changing modes [1].” The rationale of using intermodal transport is to exploit the natural advantages, the different transport modes provide, in combination. Intermodal transport is “the movement of goods in one and the same loading unit or vehicle, which uses successively two or more modes of transport without handling the goods themselves in changing modes [1].”. The rationale of using intermodal transport is to exploit the natural advantages, the different transport modes provide, in combination. Road transport is flexible and enables high accessibility, while rail and sea/inland waterways transport allows realizing economies of scale. Intermodal transport is generally regarded as more environmentally favorable than road transportation [2]. The strong political support and a clear rationale, has still resulted in a relatively low market share of intermodal transport in Europe [3] and failure to fulfill its growth expectations [4,5]. While road transport has been growing and preserves its dominant position in the intra-EU freight transport system [6], continuing concerns over the externalities from the transport sector:

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