Assessing the acceptance of modal shift policy among shippers and logistics providers

Since 1992, European transport policy has emphasized a shift to more eco-friendly transport modes, such as rail and inland waterways, to reduce the dominance of road transport. However, this policy direction has met with limited success, presenting a significant problem setting: the challenge of gaining acceptance for modal shift policies in the freight transport sector. To address this issue, this study aims to assess the acceptance of modal shift policies among shippers and logistics service providers. Using a mixed-methods approach including 131 survey responses and one focus group discussion, with a geographical focus on Austria, Germany and the Benelux countries, this research examines the acceptance of modal shift policies, categorized into push, and pull strategies, through five hypotheses. The results show a strong preference for pull measures and emphasize the need for EU-wide policy harmonization and improved infrastructure to increase the competitiveness of eco-friendly transport modes. • No significant difference in modal shift policy acceptance by shippers and LSPs • Previous experience influences shipper and LSP acceptance of modal shift policies • Shippers and LSPs prefer pull measures (incentive) over push measures (taxation) • Harmonization of the regulatory framework across Europe remains a major challenge