Development of dry ports in Småland, Sweden : Comparing the cases of Nässjö and Vaggeryd

Abstract: Problem: Due to several changes in the market, economy, industry and the environment there was an increasing trend in emerging dry ports/inland terminals throughout Sweden. A dry port is still a young term in the transportation field gaining more popularity and attention. The gap in literature was found that the dynamics of dry port evolution is not yet explored. Thus, the development of the layout, services offered and involved actors of dry ports in Småland, Sweden have to be studied. Purpose:  The purpose for this report seeks to reveal how dry ports have evolved from establishment, in the area around Jönköping, and to discover in what form the dry ports can operate and compete. The study was based on the dynamics of three elements: layout, value added services and networks. Theory:  In the theoretical research the dry port concept is described. Due to the variety of descriptions, authors formed a definition for the thesis to clarify the content. Further, the literature analysis contained the characteristics, classifications and reasons of development as well as involved actors, advantages and disadvantages, location, layout, design and performance measurements. Method: The case study method was chosen to cover the identified gap. This qualitative study with semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face and by telephone was accomplished with fourteen experts. If the authors faced problems regarding phone interviewees, open questions were prepared and sent to the respondent via email. The data gathering phase was followed by the analysis after which the conclusions were drawn. Conclusion:   The thesis proves that the development of dry ports is affected by a large number of internal and external factors. Terminals need to execute a thorough analysis of the market and the location in which they plan to operate. Therefore, the market has to be analysed continuously in order to keep improving their networks and value added services. Furthermore, the layout has to be adjusted for the changes and measurements have to be performed in order to increase the efficiency.