How can intermodal transport support the logistical strategies of enterprises: a study on the opportunities and bottlenecks

Intermodal freight transport is the movement of goods in one and the same load unit or vehicle by successive modes of transport without handling of the goods themselves when changing modes (European Conference of Ministers of Transport et al. 1997). Altough it has still a small market share compared to road transport, it becomes more and more apparant that intermodal transport transport will play an important role in the future. Intermodal transport is more environmental friendly than road transport (Kreutzberger et al., 2003) and has a positive effect on the congestion problems (Van Schijndel and Dinwoodie, 2000). A third and important positive feature of intermodal transport is that it can easily fit in the supply chain management efforts by the companies. In this paper the missing links and opportunities for the intermodal transportsector are analysed. Also solutions for overcoming these bottlenecks are proposed.