POTENTIAL STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING ACCESS MANAGEMENT IN INTERMODAL FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION - AN EXPLORATIVE APPROACH

Paper in proceeding, 2016

Purpose The purpose of this article is to explore whether applying differentiation/segmentation in access management has potential to increase resource efficiency in intermodal freight transportation. Research Approach The methodology is divided into four phases: The first two, to define access management and differentiation/segmentation, are based on literature studies. The third one contains the data collection methods. The operations of six trucks were studied, and their time management activities were measured for one week. During the study, the truck drivers were interviewed in semi-structured interviews, and participant observations were conducted and registered. Additionally, focus group meetings were conducted (independent of the other methods) to obtain expert knowledge and input from industrial stakeholders (hauliers, terminals, and IT-suppliers) regarding the required information for improving the interaction between the involved actors. The fourth phase, analysis and conclusions, is proposal development of potential strategies for improving access management. The objects under study were two road-based freight companies, one port authority and one intermodal terminal. Findings and Originality The main finding consists of a proposal for potential strategies for improving access management. They were developed through the study literature and examining empirical findings that indicated sources of inefficiencies in the studied system. Additionally, the potential strategies are depending on the type of hub (intermodal terminal or port) and whether it imports or exports containers. Furthermore, these potential strategies also consider the informational content required to make these recommendations and how it should be exchanged between the involved hauliers and hubs. The main uniqueness of this study stems from the joint efforts of academic and industry stakeholders in developing this strategy based on real-life measurements and their own experiences and expertise. Research Impact By employing both literature studies and empirical data collection methods to develop the proposed strategy, this work has increased the understanding and knowledge about the goods and information flows to and from two hubs, including identified sources of inefficiencies. Practical Impact This study has provided the decisions makers at the studied organisations with new insights regarding the sources of inefficiencies that are present when accessing a hub and ways to potential decrease the identified inefficiencies.