The distribution of goods to urban areas asks for a two part transport system. Within city boundaries the vehicles should be clean, small and safe, and have to do their job by bringing goods to addressees at the desired time and in the required quantity. Outside cities logistic systems tend to an increase in scale, on a national and on a European level. These requirements can be matched using an intermodal transport system. As at short distances the required transhipment is extremely important, the development of a fast, reliable and cheap transfer system is needed, using standardised load units. A reliable service network, based on rail and (advanced) road technology is needed. In this network short trains and large (automated) trucks will be used. The introduction of such a system requires a redesign of the logistic system and will not at all be an easy task. It is expected that only in future the problems will be at such a level that these types of measures will be necessary. Until then, an anticipating policy will be needed in a way that if there is a need, the system described can be implemented easier. (A)
Abstract