Logistics Development in European Countries: The Case of Poland

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to show the diversity of logistics development in European countries at the national and regional level, taking into account the countries of Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The focus is on the development of logistics in Poland, a country with a special location in Europe between Germany, the leader in European and global logistics, and Russia. Design/Methodology/Approach: Research includes changes in the volume of freight transport by air, rail, road and sea in 33 countries in 2010-2018. Spatiotemporal analysis of statistical data with the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and ArcMap 10.5 is proposed. Findings: Logistics in Europe is strongly diversified in national and regional terms. In most countries, logistics developed for all modes of transport during the period considered. The development of the logistics system in Poland mainly involved road, rail and sea transport. Air transport of goods increased to a lesser extent. The integration process of Central and Eastern European logistics with German logistics is visible. Practical Implications: The contribution of the research is to show the general interrelationships between logistics policy and initiatives at the national level and changes in the volume of freight transport across the most important transport branches. Originality/Value: Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to represent the changes occurring in logistics in Europe. Identification of countries and regions with different logistics development models and paths.