Transport Logistics

3.2. Characteristics of intermodal transport

Governments have been grappling to stimulate intermodal transport in order to promote

sustainable development, although demand for intermodal transport has shown only a modest increase

due to many existing obstacles. Characteristics of intermodal transport systems differ across regions.

The Asian intermodal system is characterised by a combination of traditional and modern concepts of

intermodality. Since most Asian countries are composed of islands and/or archipelagos, the large

distances between countries within the region are motivating the development of sea, air and

intermodal transportation. In particular, the role of nodes and transport links is vital to transport and

logistic systems. Any improvement in these systems will provide significantly better services, reduce

travel times, and ultimately reduce costs. Since Asia has now become the export centre of industrial

goods, the need for containerised cargo transport has increased, and significant logistics infrastructure

development is occurring in some countries.

To be effective, intermodal transport in the EU will require a comprehensive package of

measures both to increase markedly the productivity of rail freight transport and to enforce effective

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safety, loading, maintenance and working regulations in road haulage (ECMT, 2001). The NAFTA

region, centred on the United States of America and Canada, is characterised by extensive demand for

land-based transportation with efficient road and rail systems, and a relatively limited need for cross-

border documentation.