Transport, logistics and the region

Cargo transport and logistics have a huge impact on sustainable (regional) economic development. Two broad (policy) challenges are center stage: enhancing co-location of logistics activities and improving efficiency in intermodal transport chains. Academic research can provide relevant insights for both challenges. Co location in logistics has economic as well as societal benefits, but does not just happen. Instead, it requires firm strategies with regard to the location of logistics facilities and investments to develop logistics sites, as well as public policies, for instance on developing and managing infrastructure and land. For intermodal chains, many different companies such as shipping lines, terminal operators and forwarders, design competing services. These companies have different business models. Such differences have an important – but not well understood – effect on design choices and influence the overall efficiency of intermodal transport chains