Information Sharing in the Swedish Rail Freight Industry

Background Low fill rates of goods transportation causes low overall utilization of resources in the logistics sector. The total goods flow is expected to increase and thus CO2-emissions. Rail freight is a low emission alternative to e.g. road haulage. To counter this development, initiatives have been aiming for achieving better efficiencies and promoting rail freight. Information sharing is considered an enabler for many of these initiatives. Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the current barriers to effective information sharing within the rail freight industry. Further, the study proposes strategies to mitigate the identified barriers. Methodology A deductive research approach using a systems view is employed. Semi-structured interviews are conducted to collect empirical data. Conclusions Five general categories of barriers are proposed. Nineteen barriers specific for the Swedish rail freight industry are identified, the most significant being; lack of capabilities; fragmented information; fear of losing business; antitrust regulations, intangible returns; misaligned incentives; and lack of customer pressure. Five strategies for mitigating barriers are proposed, namely; Clarify, Prove potential, Create burning platform, Create favorable conditions and Turn around fear