Freight Transport: Main Issues

This chapter summarises some of the main issues in the analysis of freight transport. It starts by underlining why it is important to study freight transport, and which perspectives can be taken. Then the different types of agents involved are discussed, together with the choices that they have. These often lead to multi-leg transport chains, in particular when consolidation is involved. The chains can be analysed at microscopic or macroscopic level. Then the evolution of freight transport is discussed: what are the drivers of freight transport and what are the (expected) developments in those? The different modes of freight transport are compared, in particular road and rail transport, but also the other modes including water-based transport, air freight, pipelines and container based transport. Finally the policy levers available to influence freight transport are discussed.