Efficiency of multi-modal Hinterland Terminals

Economic growth and the related international trade trigger a steady increase of container flow on supply chains between the economic areas. Hence, operating competitive supply chains demands for cost efficient and high performing intermodal transport system. Hinterland terminals (HLT) are identified as key resources of intermodality. However, between the sea port and Hinterland, there is an emerging complex infrastructure coined by heavily discontinuities and a broad range of services. This explorative, multi-case study investigates the information flow within the socio-technical system of HLTs. The research shows, that the freight transport system is a highly fragmented multi-actor network and the efficiency of HLTs are strongly depending on both the vertical collaboration for preparatory information flow within the order and execution system, and the horizontal collaboration for defining standards in services and procedures