the future of intermodal international freight transport

To a degree, all freight transported across vast geographic distances requires multiple modalities and methods combining land and sea. The advent of airborne shipping options in the twentieth century introduced yet another element into the portfolio of intermodal freight transport. Based on historical trends, patterns of emerging markets and consumption patterns, plus political and economic constraints, the future of intermodal freight transport will be complex, dynamic, and responsive to situational variables. One of the greatest challenges facing intermodal freight transport stakeholders includes how to respond the ever-increasing scale and scope of trade within the boundaries of existing infrastructure. Moreover, environmental and social responsibility constrains the evolution of intermodal freight transport. Increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness are also key considerations in the future of intermodal transport.

Information technology and modeling systems can tremendously enhance the ability of intermodal freight transportation consultants to conceptualize best practices. In fact, one of the cornerstones of future developments in intermodal freight transport is the greater integration of technology at every level or stage of transport, from inventory and supply chain management to safety and security monitoring (Chatterjee & Lakshmanan, 2008). Customers at every stage of the supply chain are expecting real-time information related to the status of shipments, which depends on “integrated and flexible IT systems,” (Halonen, 2016, p. 1). Therefore, the future of intermodal freight transport will include the evolution of a few standardized yet dynamic software and hardware systems that integrate every aspect of the supply chain from inventory and purchasing choices to delivery.

Differentiated from standard uni-modal services, especially those that rely solely on road networks, intermodal freight transport take advantage of existing infrastructure, while also planning for future growth in container ports and other key nodes. The future of intermodal freight transport depends on the ability of supply chain stakeholders to navigate around dramatic changes in the ways ports are managed, and the ways shipping ports are integrated with other elements of the transportation network through private or public sector alliances (Li, Negenborn & de Schutter, 2015). Capitalizing on the power of information technology, stakeholders can continually input changes in logistics, legislation, or any other intervening variable to improve efficiency and manage change. As Halonen (2016) also points out, labor laws and the potential for strikes also present major challenges for future intermodal freight stakeholders. Variability in transportation schedules can be better managed and mitigated through the implementation of information technology plus better-integrated communication networks.

Even as the future of intermodal fright transport aims to develop long-term sustainable infrastructure to ensure the security of the supply chain, environmental variables will continue to present major challenges for cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Other circumstances ranging from accidents to political unrest need also to be taken into account when strategizing, with adequate redundancies and back up plans being built into the system. The greater integration of global markets enables the formation of strategic partnerships that can minimize risk and reduce disruptions to the international supply chains. Integration of logistical systems from warehousing onwards is the present; the future consists of maximizing efficiency through the use of flexible intermodal systems. Road transport is no longer going to be considered the king of modes; the future requires a greater reliance on multiple modes simultaneously and for multiple alternatives to exist in each transportation network (Premus, Nijkamp & Kingongs, 2008). Given the need for increased interdependency among modes like road, sea, rail, and air, it is becoming increasingly important to work together with developing nations in improving their transportation, communication, and security infrastructures in addition to removing any other legislative or logistic barriers to trade.

The great promise of intermodal freight transport depends on interdependence for its fulfillment. Intermodal is not as seamless as it would seem; there are “wasted technological opportunities,” and hindrances due to the fragmentation of independent air, sea, road, and rail firms that fail to collaborate or create consistency in their operations (Premus, Kijkamp & Konings, 2008, p. 1). Policy and top-down strategies are one possible approach to resolving some of the issues and meeting the challenges of the future. However, legislation and policy are limited and do not provide solutions for the global challenges that arise during intermodal freight transport. Moreover, the nature of the supply chain itself is shifting as it is being driven more by value-added services for receivers and controlled less by raw materials suppliers (Premus, Kijkamp & Konings, 2008). Complex modeling using technological systems stands out as the best option for the future, allowing companies around the world to plan and strategize, anticipating risk and utilizing multiple options to ensure cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and returns on investment.

While the hub/spoke model may work well regionally, globally a far more complex model of intermodal transport is emerging. All stakeholders play a role in determining how best to develop more responsive systems that can address the needs of remote regions just as well as port metropolises. Bottom-up methods that focus on solutions like bundling and consolidation of smaller shipments designed for on-demand services will also become more important. The future of global supply chains is of course intermodal; that future will be far more stable, ethical, secure, and responsive to changing markets when stakeholders capitalize on the potential of new technology to manage daily changes to routes, flow and volume, and regulatory environments.