Development of intermodal transport in the EU countries

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main purpose of the article was to present the development of intermodal transport in individual EU countries. The specific purposes were to show the situation and directions of changes in the importance of intermodal transport in terms of the use of individual modes of transport, to show the leaders in this type of transport.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: All EU countries were selected for research using the purposeful selection method, as of December 31, 2019. In total, 28 EU countries were examined. The research period covered the years 2008-2019. The data come from Eurostat.

FINDINGS: In the years 2008-2019, intermodal transport grew in most EU countries, but very quickly in just a few. The concentration of this type of transport in the EU countries has decreased and it is spread over a larger number of countries. In addition, the changes occurred faster in terms of transport performance in tkm than in the volume of cargo in tonnes.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Intermodal transport should be developed in the future. Therefore, it is important to know the current situation and directions of changes so that one can react on an ongoing basis. Decision-makers can use appropriate instruments to influence the right directions of changes in intermodal transport.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Intermodal transport is and will be promoted in the EU. As a rule, the articles discuss transport for one or more countries, but only for the last few years. The analysis covers 12 years, therefore changes can be noticed in the long run.