A mixed transportation systems concept, called Foliated Transportation Network (FTN), has been developed. The concept combines the characteristics of a hub-and-spoke network with the flexibility of direct transportation using real-time information and goods identification technologies as enablers. Customer service can be increased while the cost for transportation can be lowered due to better resource utilization and more efficient handling of goods. The environmental impact of transportation can be reduced due to the increased filling rate and resources are used more efficiently. The feasibility and future impact of the concept is discussed by using data from a Scandinavian perspective but should be possible to apply to other settings in other countries and under other circumstances such as intermodal transportation or international freight. To balance the theoretical implications and findings a case study of a major logistics service provider is used to illustrate what the concept would mean in terms of changes to the present transportation networks. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214666.
Abstract