The European economy has been undergoing radical transformations in recent years. Until recently, the effects of significant economic growth were observed, particularly in the new European Union member states. In 2009, the consequences of the global financial crisis and the slowdown in economic development, including for many enterprises, became apparent. Nevertheless, mergers between companies continue to occur, and competition and consumer expectations are rising.
One of the elements that allows for meeting the challenges of the modern market, operating efficiently, and generating profit is the effective organization of transport processes. It is worth emphasizing that, regardless of the state of economic development, a double-digit increase in freight transport has been recorded in recent years, particularly using road transport (73%). Unfortunately, this situation causes an unfavorable increase in traffic congestion and a deterioration in road safety. This problem has been recognized by the European Commission, which promotes the use of transport modes alternative to road transport, such as rail, maritime, inland waterway transport, or intermodal transport technologies. Using alternative forms of movement can be a way for many companies to reduce transport costs. Unfortunately, as indicated by analyses conducted as part of consulting projects carried out by the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing, the potential of these transport modes, especially rail freight, is not fully utilized. The reasons for this situation will be discussed later in the article. The presented problems should undergo a radical change, especially in the case of freight transport. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the European Commission promotes the effective organization of logistics processes using all modes of transport, the potential of rail, intermodal, or inland waterway transport remains underutilized. One of the European Commission’s ideas aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs to change the organization of transport processes, and especially to stimulate the development of intermodal transport, is the introduction of differentiated charges for access to transport infrastructure. To this end, under the 6th Framework Programme, the research project DIFFERENT – User Reaction and Efficient Differentiation of Charges and Tolls was implemented.
The authors of the article, as part of the project work, analyzed the impact of introducing differentiated charges for access to transport infrastructure on increasing intermodal transport in the regions. Therefore, the purpose of this publication is to present the results of research based on direct interviews with forty companies in Poland and Italy, which are potential buyers of intermodal transport services.
The basis for conducting interviews with companies was research work within the project and transport cost simulations for selected transport modes on sample routes. The simulations were conducted with the participation of rail carriers.
Identification of key factors determining the choice of transport mode
Road transport is the most frequently used by the surveyed companies (70%), regardless of the specifics of their business. The interviews conducted showed why road transport is so popular among companies, constituting one of the key elements of their logistics strategy. Companies also use rail, sea, and air transport to a small extent. Only one company indicated that it uses intermodal (road-rail) transport. Additionally, the authors analyzed the factors shaping such a strategy. The key factors deciding on the choice of road transport turned out to be price (28%) and delivery time (26%). More than half of the surveyed companies indicated these two criteria as the main factor deciding on the choice of how to organize the transport process. Detailed results are presented in Figure 1.
Based on the research results, it can theoretically be assumed that the choice of logistics strategy by companies is also mainly aimed at minimizing operating costs, including transport. However, this is not the main or only factor deciding on the choice and nature of the logistics strategy. Figure 2 shows that the key element of shaping a strategy in a company is customer requirements (31%). It is the customers who generate the company’s profits, and therefore the analyzed companies try to best match market offers to the reported needs, providing services at the highest possible level (17%). Moreover, a properly selected logistics strategy also allows for competing with other entities on the market. Companies also perceive the great importance of the state of the existing transport infrastructure in the region of their operation (17%). On the other hand, ecological aspects are practically not taken into account when creating a logistics strategy.
Therefore, it can be stated that it is the adopted logistics strategy and the concept of the company’s operation that influence the choice of transport mode and a specific carrier. This choice is made based on the factors presented in Figure 2. Further research confirms that the choice of transport mode does not depend solely on costs and the pursuit of minimizing logistics costs. As follows from the analysis of Figure 3, more than half of the respondents claim that the introduction of additional charges for access to transport infrastructure (for all modes of transport) would not affect the way transport is organized. Thus, most companies will continue to use road transport.
Furthermore, assuming that margins on products sold in many industries are minimal, there is a risk that it is the end customers who will bear the costs of additional charges. 38% of the surveyed companies indicated that they would choose a cheaper solution. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that it is mainly the company’s operating strategy that determines the way transport processes are organized. Only at the next stage of its implementation are possibilities for rationalizing transport costs sought.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 4/2009.