Multi-Modal freight models are traditionally built following the well known "four steps model" in which generation, distribution, modal-split and assignment are seen as separated modules. An alternative approach is to represent the multi-modal network by means of a "mono-modal" one, in which each particular transport operation (loading or unloading operation, transhipments ...) is represented by a dedicated "virtual link". This approach, promoted by several authors, often referenced to as "super networks" or "virtual networks" is proven to give interesting results, but has some kind of "hidden trap", linked to transport distances, that will be presented in this paper and that can only be solved using appropriate assignment techniques. All the traffic between a given pair of origin and destination may not be charged on the same transport mode and/or route. This paper outlinesa new usable multi-flow/multi-modal assignment technique that can be applied on large (virtual) freight transportation networks and that solves the"distance trap" and shows its implementation on the trans-European multimodal freight network. For the covering abstract see ITRD E135582
Abstract