The main proposition of the paper is that changes in the way that companies organise their logistics should lead to new designs of freight transport systems. This statement seems simple and straightforward. However, there is little attention among designers of freight transport systems for the fact that the evolution of logistics services is a key determinant for the requirements placed upon transport systems. Quality requirements for freight transport (in terms of e.g. speed, reliability, flexibility and costs) are derived from economic activities, including logistic activities like packaging, warehousing, cross-docking and handling. As logistics services are being restructured at an unprecedented rate, both geographically and commercially, it is important to take these changes into account. This paper presents an outlook on expected changes in logistics structures, and demonstrates some related innovations in new freight transport systems. The paper is built up as follows. First, an introduction is provided of the nature of changes in logistic services, including the expected impacts on quality requirements in various transport market segments. The results of three studies done in the Netherlands concerning the feasibility of innovative freight transport networks were consolidated. These studies include 1) a national network for underground freight transport, 2) an increase in truck carrying capacity through multi-trailer truck networks and 3) a new inland waterways network using floating stocks to supply retail distribution centres. The logistical characteristics of each system and the results of the feasibility studies (including the critical success factors of each system) are described. In the final section, the findings are summarised and recommendations provided for further research and development work.
Abstract