Intermodal transport from a haulier's perspective - an analysis on how to increase the usage of intermodal road-rail transport for hauliers in Sweden

Abstract

Purpose of this paper:The purpose of this paper is to investigate what factors affect the hauliers’ modal choice between all-road and intermodal rail road transportation (IRRT). It identifies strategies that can be applied for hauliers to increase the usage of IRRT.Design/methodology/approach:Based on an empirical study concerning the perspective of the transport industry on role of the hauliers in the IRRT-systems combined with a literature review, an analytical framework for the hauliers’ modal choice in Sweden is designed. An interview-study and a survey with hauliers in Sweden currently using IRRT analyse the areas in the analytical framework.Findings:The findings are presented as obstacles and enablers for increasing the hauliers’ usage of IRRT. The main types of obstacles for the usage of IRRT are: lack of profit with IRRT, shippers’ requirements not being compatible with the intermodal rail operators’ offer and operational difficulties. Depending on what obstacles the hauliers face, enablers like company characteristics and different strategies can be applied to increase the usage of IRRT.Practical implications:The findings can be used by actors with the incentives to increase the usage of IRRT among hauliers in Sweden.What is original/value of paper:Most literature on IRRT limits the hauliers’ role to be responsible for the pre- and post haulage activities. This paper takes a new perspective focusing on the haulier as the actor who does the modal choice. The originality of this paper is the analytical framework explaining the obstacles and enablers, which have rarely been discussed in the literature before.

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