Challenges For Using Ict To Improve Coordination In Hinterland Chains; An Overview

The importance of hinterland transport in intercontinental door-to-door chains is widely recognised. Intermodal hinterland transport services are provided by many different firms, each taking care of a part of the chain. Consequently, there is a need for cooperation and coordination in hinterland chains, to ensure an attractive overall service for shippers. However, different firms have different market positions and business models. This leads to differences in incentives, resources, capabilities, and attitudes concerning coordination and cooperation. Analysis of their business models suggests that there is so much competition between players with different business models, especially for involvement in design of scheduled transport networks, that initiatives to enhance coordination often have strategic implications. Consequently, coordination and cooperation do not (always) emerge, even when beneficial for the overall hinterland chain. This conclusion is relevant for the potential of ICT in improving coordination. Mechanisms to improve coordination will only be successful if they are in line with the business model of the firms involved. Distributed planning is a promising approach in this respect, as it may offer solutions to hinterland coordination problems, while, unlike traditional centralized systems, not effecting business models of the involved firms.