This paper is concerned with new informatics applications that will improve the efficiency of freight transportation in the European context. First, the various road freight operations are presented with a description of the current informatics and telecommunications means, and preferences by the operators, forwarders, etc. Then, for each of these operations the technologies available or planned are discussed and specific conclusions are reached about their future potential for commercial application. The areas of road freight operation considered, are: Information exchange through EDI networks, on-line tracing of shipments and shipment identification, automatic fleet monitoring and vehicle positioning systems, vehicle routing and planning, and autonomous navigation and route guidance (A).
Abstract