Intermodal High-Capacity Transport for Pre- and Post-Haulage - A multiple-case study of the potential for high-capacity rail-road transport in the Swedish freight transport market

Abstract: The concept of intermodal freight transport has been acknowledged as a policy tool to achieve an improved utilization of the transport system. Particularly intermodal rail-road transport (IRT) has recently gained in importance due to the benefits associated with its operational and environmental efficiency. In this regard, the employment of longer or heavier vehicles (LHVs) for the road freight pre- and post-haulage (PPH) activities is a crucial factor to exhaust the potential of an IRT system. Based on previous studies and practices with LHVs in Sweden, this thesis develops a holistic perspective of the potential that intermodal high-capacity transport (IHCT) has in the Swedish market. Contributions of several national terminal providers and logistics service providers are utilized to identify the current barriers for IHCT and draw a picture of the improvements of the operational and environmental costs that can be achieved when LHVs are employed on distances to and from the nearest IRT terminal. The objective is to provide an enhanced understanding of the prospects that IHCT has as a national strategy to foster aspects such as competition and sustainability. Results show, that the allowance for LHVs in Sweden can contribute to operational costs reductions of up to 13.7%.