Experiences of rail intermodal freight transport for low-density high value (LDHV) goods in Europe

Thomas H Zunder,Dewan Md Zahurul Islam

doi:10.1186/s12544-018-0295-7

Abstract

ObjectivePrevious studies have suggested an upward growth trend in low density, high value (LDHV) goods in Europe. Such goods require time sensitive, reliable services and currently, most LDHV goods are transported by road. The paper presents the findings of four case studies which detail the barriers and enablers to intermodal rail services for transporting LDHV goods.MethodologyWe applied a methodological pluralism, quantitative and qualitative, on an inductive basis. Using a case study approach, the research investigates the requirements of shippers, identifies key barriers to intermodal rail service offerings and, based on the findings, suggests enablers for intermodal rail freight transport. The current research applies parallel top down and bottom up streams, with a final integration synthesis.FindingsTerminals may appear as an important barrier or enabler towards achieving a competitive intermodal rail service. By making rail terminal as an enabler, the research suggests that it is possible to carry LDHV goods by intermodal rail in a cost-efficient manner. The research attempts to seek a potential innovative solution to the barriers identified. The research compares road with an intermodal rail-road solution, in terms of cost and time, for a door-to-door service along the selected routes/corridors.RecommendationThe research recommends that technical solutions, such as automated transhipment and temperature controlled systems, are required for rail freight services for LDHV goods, but that they must be complemented by collaborative operational solutions and viable service planning for an intermodal rail transport service to be reliable and competitive with road transport.

Highlights

Transport service providers operate in a competitive global market, with increasing pressure to reduce costs [1, 2] whilst simultaneously reducing the output of potentially harmful emissions [3,4,5]
Terminals may appear as an important barrier or enabler towards achieving a competitive intermodal rail service
Recommendation: The research recommends that technical solutions, such as automated transhipment and temperature controlled systems, are required for rail freight services for LDHV goods, but that they must be complemented by collaborative operational solutions and viable service planning for an intermodal rail transport service to be reliable and competitive with road transport

Summary

Introduction

Transport service providers operate in a competitive global market, with increasing pressure to reduce costs [1, 2] whilst simultaneously reducing the output of potentially harmful emissions [3,4,5]. Improvements in automotive propulsion technologies, e.g. Euro 1–6 standards and more aerodynamic road freight vehicle design, have resulted in lower emissions These have been complemented by the goal of many shippers, operators and customers, as well as national and international policy makers [6], to better utilise non-road modes - especially rail and waterways within intermodal freight services. Rail is still largely seen as a more environmentally friendly mode [7, 8] and research into the benefits of using hybridised diesel engines for propulsion in European rail freight suggests further advantages to come, keeping the environmental case for rail freight strong [9] For such intermodal services, the collection and delivery of cargo units can be performed by road, the long-haul section by rail [10], and the final delivery to cities, by trucks. In the the new member states (EU12) – in many of which rail freight was dominant under Communism [11] –a downward trend can be noted, whereas in western

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