Intermodal road-rail freight transport works best within markets with relatively large flows occurring over long distances, which corresponds poorly to the current demand for transport in the European Union. The purpose of this paper is to compare the capabilities of conventional European intermodal transport, with special reference to the competitiveness in markets with small flows over short distances, and to explore innovative concepts. Using a technological systems approach, key functions are identified as being the inducement and blocking mechanisms that affect the development and diffusion path of this 'small flows over short distances' (SFSD) system, providing a tool for empirical delineation of the system. These concepts are illustrated and analysed through a case study of the Swedish development project Light-combi. The results show that market and financial uncertainties, insufficient network connectivity and policies favouring the existing technology paradigm, severely hamper the development and diffusion of SFSD systems.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Developing intermodal transport for small flows over short distances


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2004-10-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    Unknown






    Regional Intermodal Freight Transport Flows and Projections

    Brander, J.Robert G. | Online Contents | 2001


    Regional Intermodal Freight Transport Flows and Projections

    Brander, J. Robert G. / Wilson, Frank R. | Transportation Research Record | 2001


    Regional Intermodal Freight Transport Flows and Projections

    Brander, J. R. G. / Wilson, F. R. / National Research Council | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2001