Connecting Europe through Intermodal Transportation – Building Efficient Networks and Embracing Digitalization

Intermodal transportation refers to the movement of goods in one and the same loading unit, which uses successively two or more modes—such as rail, road, and maritime—without handling the goods themselves in changing modes. This approach capitalizes on the strengths of each transportation mode, optimizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. This dissertation investigates continental intermodal transportation in Europe. It thereby focuses on the configuration of intermodal transportation networks and the transformative impact of digitalization. The European intermodal transportation market, characterized by diverse actors, varying laws, and non-standardized processes, presents distinctive challenges. These differences necessitate tailored approaches to address unique circumstances effectively. Given this complexity, multiple research methodologies on different planning levels are employed to systematically explore the structural configuration of transportation networks and the impact of digitalization. Qualitative methods, such as case studies and expert interviews, complement quantitative models by providing contextual and experiential insights and practical knowledge from industry professionals and stakeholders. Case studies are particularly suitable for analyzing the European intermodal transportation market. They allow for in-depth exploration of specific contexts, capturing nuances that broader methods might miss, providing a nuanced understanding of intermodal transportation systems, and helping to develop actionable solutions. The main body of this dissertation is based on five research papers. The first two papers investigate the structural configuration of intermodal transportation networks and its impact on overall system performance. By integrating strategic hub location and tactical service network design models, the research provides deeper insights into network structure, leading to optimized configurations that enhance efficiency and reduce costs. A case study involving a German intermodal operator demonstrates that this integration leads to more realistic and efficient network designs, considering economies of scale and density. In the third paper, the feasibility and benefits of continental intermodal transportation as a possible solution for connecting Asia and Europe are studied. The qualitative analysis of the Trans-Caspian Corridor through interviews with logistics companies and political authorities revealed the intricate geopolitical and strategic challenges influencing the corridor's development.The fourth paper focuses on ETA forecasts in the pre-and post-haulage of intermodal transportation. Digitalization and real-time data significantly improve operational processes in intermodal transportation by enhancing visibility and enabling dynamic adjustments to routing and scheduling. A simulation study shows that ETA forecasts lead to an average cost reduction of 7%. The fifth paper investigates how digitalization drives the evolution of intermodal transportation towards synchromodal transportation, where different transportation modes are seamlessly integrated, providing flexible and adaptive real-time solutions. The integration of digital technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and AI further supports this transition, offering advanced tools for real-time monitoring, data analytics, and decision-making. The findings of this dissertation contribute to both academic knowledge and practical applications, providing valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in the field of intermodal transportation.