Differentiated access management: The case of haulier operations in intermodal freight transportation

Paper in proceeding, 2016

Purpose The purpose of this study is to design a framework for differentiated access management in intermodal transportation that makes evaluation of the efficiency of access management possible. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature study and empirical data collection (semi-structured interviews with haulier operators, port operators and terminal operators), the term access management is defined and described from a road haulage perspective. Methods for improving access management are discussed. Findings This study has defined an access management framework has been defined and contains a ranking scale with seven levels: from 0 (no access management) to 6 (excellent access management). In addition, the empirical findings show that trucks have the worse developed access management compared to train and vessels. Research limitations/implications The access management framework helps decision makers with two particular tasks: firstly, identifying their own level of access management, and secondly, describing how to improve it. Improved access management allows decision makers to prioritise resources and make better decisions. Original/value The defined framework will give researchers and decision makers indications of the levels of access management a certain access management method has. With the identified potential effects of four existing methods (in use by industry), this framework can help decisions makers to improve their access management.