Prospects of synchromodality for developing an integrated port transportation system by centering Chattogram port of Bangladesh

• Synchromodality is a novel concept for the supply chain that offers flexibility in using different kinds of transport. • The inland freight transportation system is becoming demand-driven, efficient, real-time provider, and time-cost bound. • The Chattogram Port of Bangladesh is ranked the 64th busiest container port in the world and handled a record 3.21 million TEUs. • The prescribed freight transport model is a combination of intermodal, multimodal, and synchromodal to manage containers in Bangladesh. • A synchromodal freight transportation system in Chattogram Port is developed to create a real-life logistics solution. Synchromodality is a novel concept for the supply chain that offers flexibility in using different kinds of transport modes with real-time information to the port users. Supply chain management is an integral part of international trade. The inland freight transportation system is becoming demand-driven, efficient, real-time information provider, and time–cost bound. Now, synchromodal is getting priority in considering as a modern freight transportation system to improve flexibility and reduce the freight cost and passage time in a given container supply chain technology. It is essential to create multiple options for choosing nodes and modes by carrier and users for managing inland freight movement from seaport to last mile or vice versa. A mixed research method is applied to know the current position of the node, mode, and the aptitude of stakeholders to adapt synchromodality in Bangladesh. The findings and originalities of the research are insufficient freight infrastructure in terms of required nodes and modes, non-availability of national logistics policy, and application of an intelligent transportation system (ITS) for an integrated freight transportation system in Bangladesh. The impact of the research is the upgradation of the freight transport model by combining intermodal, multimodal, and synchromodal to facilitate the container supply chain from the seaport to the hinterland and maximum utilization of transport nodes and modes by carriers for the interest of port users in reducing freight transport time and cost. Finally, a synchromodal freight transportation system is required for Chattogram Port to set a real-life logistics solution for the port users.