Generalized Transport Costs in Intermodal Freight Transport

Abstract

Intermodal transport solutions, implying non-road freight transport on the long-haul, can contribute to the advance of more energy efficient transportation systems. This paper presents a model for analyzing the generalized transport cost of an intermodal transport solution. We find that the required long-haul distance required to make intermodal transport preferable increases when (1) handling costs at terminals increases, (2) total transport distance increases, (3) pre- and posthaulage costs increase, (4) distance dependent marginal generalized costs for rail increases, (5) the distance dependent marginal generalized costs for truck decreases and (6) reduced resting costs for truck drivers. The model results are discussed in light of transport of fresh aquaculture products from Norway to Continental Europe.