Intermodal Logistics Policies in the EU, the U.S. and Japan

Abstract

Intermodal freight transport is increasing globally and is a key policy challenge worldwide. However, national and regional policy settings and approaches differ. This investigation focuses on the European Union, the United States and Japan.

Intermodal logistics must pursue a dual systems strategy optimizing the supply chain and linkages between partner companies, and optimizing the use of the multi-modal transport system to respond to economic criteria, environmental concerns and growing highway congestion. Starting with the definition of intermodal freight logistics in terms of seamless door-to-door operations using successively at least two different modes - road, rail, waterway/sea or air -, the study sets the scene by summarising modal and intermodal freight shares in the EU, U.S. and Japan. It identifies the commonalities and differences in policy goals and measures and analyses EU, US and Japanese programmes. Three special initiatives - EU's Marco Polo Program and the US policies on Intermodal Connectors and Intelligent Intermodal Freight Systems - are assessed as are the Japanese targeted policy actions on city, regional and international logistics. Emphasis is on what can be learnt from the practices and experiences in the three regions.