CHAPTER III: INTERMODALITY AND LOGISTICS

3.1. The need for sustainable transport

In the midst of growing sustainability concerns, transport systems pose a range of environmental

problems. This is especially so for road transport, which has been increasing its share of transport

relative to other modes. These problems include noise and air pollution caused by traffic congestion

and the increase in CO2 and other vehicle emissions. In particular, heavy vehicles used in freight

transport are considered to be the main source of these problems. Concerns for the environment and

safety are the major drivers behind regulation and legislation affecting freight transport.

These concerns have created pressure to move freight off the roads. In responding to this need,

most OECD countries are being confronted with the challenge of developing socio-economic reforms

that strike a balance between ecological requirements and conditions conducive to economic growth

compatible with sustainability objectives.

The trend towards sustainable development will have a considerable effect on the design and

operation of logistics systems. In order to achieve balance between the globalisation of economic

activities and development of environmentally-friendly global logistics networks, various approaches

are being discussed and examined, ranging from construction of better hardware facilities to

development of information structures for reorganising logistics operations to make them more

sustainable. Also, introducing new concepts and technologies to logistics operations can contribute to

sustainability. Typical examples are the introduction of sophisticated dispatching systems and

consolidated delivery for reducing traffic volumes and costs (including externalities), and development

of transport systems to support recycling of waste products.

3.2. Characteristics of intermodal transport

Governments have been grappling to stimulate intermodal transport in order to promote

sustainable development, although demand for intermodal transport has shown only a modest increase

due to many existing obstacles. Characteristics of intermodal transport systems differ across regions.

The Asian intermodal system is characterised by a combination of traditional and modern concepts of

intermodality. Since most Asian countries are composed of islands and/or archipelagos, the large

distances between countries within the region are motivating the development of sea, air and

intermodal transportation. In particular, the role of nodes and transport links is vital to transport and

logistic systems. Any improvement in these systems will provide significantly better services, reduce

travel times, and ultimately reduce costs. Since Asia has now become the export centre of industrial

goods, the need for containerised cargo transport has increased, and significant logistics infrastructure

development is occurring in some countries.

To be effective, intermodal transport in the EU will require a comprehensive package of

measures both to increase markedly the productivity of rail freight transport and to enforce effective

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safety, loading, maintenance and working regulations in road haulage (ECMT, 2001). The NAFTA

region, centred on the United States of America and Canada, is characterised by extensive demand for

land-based transportation with efficient road and rail systems, and a relatively limited need for crossborder

documentation.