Transport Logistics

3.4.2. Lack of standardisation

There is a lack of standardisation of load units, information systems, administrative regulations

and procedures.

Adopting standard pallets and containers can facilitate efficient transfer and storage of

commodities. It will enhance economic and efficient interchangeability among different transport

modes, thereby serving to better co-ordinate services of more than one transport mode. Intermodal co-

ordinated services such as truck-rail, truck-ship, and truck-air aim to integrate the most advantageous

characteristics of each mode to achieve optimal performance. However, although the standardisation

of load units is essential to improve efficiency, it has proven to be difficult to achieve due to factors

such as infrastructure restrictions (changing loading/truck gauges), the preferences of road hauliers

and the increasing container sizes in maritime transport.

The application of advanced ICT has allowed significant improvements in the provision of

seamless service through the use of EDI. However, the success of EDI depends not only on

standardised data sets but also on compatible EDI systems between and among the intermodal players

and governments, which needs to be improved.

National regulations and procedures concerning intermodal transport are not harmonised. For

example, in Europe some countries provide exemptions to restrictions on weight and driving bans and

waive certain charges, while others do not. Also, government financial support of intermodal transport

differs considerably from country to country.

Customs formalities are one of the main barriers to achieving seamless changes across modes.

The advantages of standardised, automated and ICT-based interfaces are well understood. However,

ICT-based customs clearance has not yet been universally adopted. It is not clear how rapidly or how

extensively ICT will be adopted by authorities in different countries for the smooth operation of

custom formalities.