Intelligent freight transportation system: The effects on transportation operations performance

Book chapter, 2012

The purpose of this chapter is to identify the necessary components of intelligent Freight Transportation System (IFTS) and analyze the potential effects on transport operations performances in all the three pillars of sustainability, namely the economics, environmental and social impacts. In order to achieve this objective, a literature study was conducted, looking for relevant up-to-date literature within the fields of transportation, logistics, and information and communication technology (ICT) and environmental impacts of freight transportation. In addition, two separate rounds of empirical studies were made. From literature, as well as from part of the empirical data collection, a requirement analysis was done to understand issues and problems in transport operations that can be addressed with more sophisticated information and communication systems. The second round of empirical data collection was done to identify potential solutions of the identified issues. Finally an analysis was made to understand the functionalities of possible IFTS solutions. Many effects were found that can contribute to increased performance of transport operations including automatic item identification, safety and security prevention, real-time navigation, traffic situation notification and carbon footprint registration.