The Polish logistics system and transport co-modality

The article presents selected results of the development project titled “Model of the Polish logistics system as a path to transport co-modality in the EU”. Starting from the concept of a system, the elements of the Polish Logistics System were defined and the parameters of the system structure elements were determined. The article contains a mathematical formulation of the distribution of cargo flows across the transport network based on the cost criterion.INTRODUCTION
The logistics system can be considered at different scales. The analysis of material goods flows occurring within a given country constitutes a macroeconomic approach to logistics processes. In such an approach, we are dealing with a macrologistic system in a national or international dimension. Taking into account the definition of a system, the elements of the logistics system will be various types of economic entities participating in the process of moving material goods and the information accompanying them.
As research shows, infrastructure is of significant importance in the proper implementation of logistics processes in the national dimension [6]:
• linear, which consists of existing transport connections (e.g., rail, road, maritime, air, etc.), • point-based, which consists of spatially separated objects used for cargo handling (e.g., stations, transshipment points, warehouse complexes, logistics centers, etc.) along with equipment, • informational, which consists of all means of communication, data exchange standards, and means securing their flow, • as well as appropriate transport means.
The Polish logistics system, also known as the national logistics system, covers the entire economy and, territorially, the entire country. The movement of cargo in such a dimension is carried out using various modes of transport. Due to the scope of the project within which the research was conducted, regarding cargo movement, one must remember the so-called transport co-modality. Co-modality in transport is primarily a feature of the harmonious functioning (including cooperation) of all transport subsystems.
Quoting European Commission documents, the term co-modality means the efficient use of transport modes operating separately or integrated multimodally within the European transport system for the purpose of optimal and sustainable (…)

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