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Sustainable Freight Transportation System

A topical collection in Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This collection belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

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Editors

Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications, University of Žilina, Slovakia
Interests: transportation; intermodal transport; transport logistics; railway transportation; railway capacity
Faculty of Economics, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia
Interests: supply chains in freight transportation; business logistics; logistics management; marketing in trade

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are witnessing a strong economic push toward sustainable transport. However, promoting measures to support innovation in freight transport requires a strong initiative from the research sector. The publication of new research findings and outputs could bring about the desired, reformulated, political and economic measures both nationally and globally. In the last months, the world has faced the inevitable significance of transporting essential and vital products in a safe yet sustainable way. The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its consequences (leading to, among other things, the depreciation of fossil fuels), indicated more than ever the crucial importance of the sustainable transport of goods carried out in the coordinated activities of international supply chain management.

The explosion in innovation of transport technologies can advance the sustainable vision of power, vehicles, technology, and operating systems. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on research from the point of view of (1) transport technology and intermodal transport, (2) freight transportation in logistic chains, (3) transport policy and modal shifts, (4) vehicles for freight transportation in Industry 4.0, and (5) management and economy.

Over the last two decades, many innovations in intermodal freight transport have been proposed to boost the market share. Innovations in freight transport, and how barriers in the modal shift for their successful implementation could be overcome, are very important. By streamlining transport logistics issues in each freight transport mode, it is possible to saturate the production capacities of the economy. The last mile is problematic in terms of securing freight transport in the logistics chain. Sustainable transport system management requires a comprehensive and integrated approach to policy- and decision-making with a view to developing adequate and efficient, economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sound transport systems.

Prof. Jozef Gašparík
Prof. Davor Dujak
Collection Editors

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Keywords

  • sustainable transport
  • freight transport
  • supply chain management
  • transport technologies
  • innovation

Published Papers (13 papers)

2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021, 2020

15 pages, 5868 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Feasibility of a Shared-Fleet Operation in Healthcare Logistics between Public Organisations
by Ismail Aydemir, Fraser McLeod, Matt Grote and Tom Cherrett
Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15361; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su152115361 - 27 Oct 2023
Viewed by 741
Abstract
Shared-fleet logistics involves collaboration between two or more companies to combine workloads and vehicle capacity to improve vehicle utilisation and transport efficiency and to reduce costs. This study considers the potential environmental and economic benefits of implementing a shared-fleet collaboration between two public [...] Read more.
Shared-fleet logistics involves collaboration between two or more companies to combine workloads and vehicle capacity to improve vehicle utilisation and transport efficiency and to reduce costs. This study considers the potential environmental and economic benefits of implementing a shared-fleet collaboration between two public organisations: a local government authority and a National Health Service (NHS) Trust. The research focuses on a specific case study using a historical dataset of vehicle movements, wherein the local authority’s fleet of electric courier vehicles is shared with the NHS Trust for transporting pathology samples from 78 doctors’ surgeries to a laboratory for analysis, thereby replacing the reliance on a third-party logistics provider. The benefits suggested by the results included a 17% reduction in costs, a 3% decrease in overall vehicle kilometres travelled, a 69% decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a 40% reduction in vehicle numbers, and a 27% reduction in total duty time. These results emphasise the considerable potential of shared-fleet operations to alleviate both environmental and economic problems in urban logistics, encouraging public sector organisations to actively pursue the implementation of collaborative solutions to enhance the efficiency of their own-account vehicles while making positive contributions to environmental sustainability. Full article
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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021, 2020

20 pages, 593 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective on Barriers to a Fossil-Free Urban Freight System
by Mikael Kervall and Henrik Pålsson
Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 186; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15010186 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1117
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to provide a system perspective on the barriers to the development of a fossil-free and thus more sustainable urban freight system and to provide insights regarding these barriers and how they impede progress. The system perspective complements [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to provide a system perspective on the barriers to the development of a fossil-free and thus more sustainable urban freight system and to provide insights regarding these barriers and how they impede progress. The system perspective complements earlier research, where barriers were identified in delimited parts of freight systems. Here, the urban freight system in a Swedish city is explored using an inductive and qualitative approach, according to which barriers are both detailed and categorized. This study is based on empirical data concerning the perceptions of multiple stakeholders in one system. The interrelationships between barrier categories and changes to the urban freight system are explored through management theory. This study provides a unique overview of the barriers to development in one system and insights concerning these barriers and how they impede development of the system. Ten categories of barriers are identified: technology, infrastructure, economy, knowledge, policy, goals, organization, cooperation, politics, and societal factors. The categories can be divided into four different types, which are related to each other and to the overall system in various ways, based on how they impede the development toward sustainability. Future research could advance this theoretical knowledge by continuing to study urban freight system development processes and by adding insights from other contexts, stakeholders, and theoretical areas. Full article
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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2020

33 pages, 7140 KiB  
Article
Construction of Differentiated Periodic Freight Train Paths in Dense Mixed Traffic
by Michal Drábek and Vít Janoš
Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8330; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13158330 - 26 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1800
Abstract
Freight rail transport plays key role in the transition to sustainable development. However, on European mainlines, freight trains have to cope with busy passenger operation—mostly in the form of (integrated) periodic timetables. Freight trains are characterized with very diverse parameters, so scheduling pre-arranged [...] Read more.
Freight rail transport plays key role in the transition to sustainable development. However, on European mainlines, freight trains have to cope with busy passenger operation—mostly in the form of (integrated) periodic timetables. Freight trains are characterized with very diverse parameters, so scheduling pre-arranged periodic freight train paths (PFTPs) on the basis of one sample freight train does not meet the needs of most freight operators. This article introduces new detailed framework process for hierarchized construction of differentiated (segmented) pre-arranged PFTPs. The process considers fluctuations in demand for capacity from freight rail operators, so the quality of a freight train path in terms of number of stops is related with its construction priority. This way, the process enhances competitiveness and decreases energy consumption of freight railway, as a factor for sustainable development. Correctness of the framework process is tested on the example of the Prague—Dresden mainline, in the context of prospective (denser) model passenger timetable. Results show that above 70% of real freight trains from the available historical data can fit into the proposed PFTPs. As a conclusion, the authors recommend reduction of service of the least frequent stops of regional trains to reduce number of scheduled stops for freight trains. Full article
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22 pages, 18242 KiB  
Article
A Monitoring and Evaluation Sustainability Framework for Road Freight Transporters in South Africa
by Chumasande Lalendle, Leila Goedhals-Gerber and Joubert van Eeden
Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7558; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13147558 - 06 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3538
Abstract
Growing freight volumes contribute to negative impacts on the environment and social aspects. In South Africa, an overreliance on road freight transportation systems (RFTS) over alternative modes of transport puts a further strain on the RFTS. Hence, there was a need to develop [...] Read more.
Growing freight volumes contribute to negative impacts on the environment and social aspects. In South Africa, an overreliance on road freight transportation systems (RFTS) over alternative modes of transport puts a further strain on the RFTS. Hence, there was a need to develop a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) sustainability assessment framework. The framework development was guided by a multistage process: Firstly, Identifying Constructs and Variables relevant to the study. Secondly, Developing the M&E Framework included defining sustainability in the transport sector, using themes emerging from an operational definition and South Africa’s vision for transport sustainability. Thirdly, Soliciting inputs and measures were utilized in developing the framework. Finally, the Validity and Reliability of the framework was tested. This study developed an M&E framework, which affords organizations a balanced mechanism for tracking inputs towards transport system sustainability, facilitating infrastructure decision-making and driving RFTS sustainability. As road freight transport contributes the most towards environmental unsustainability of the sector, this mode also holds the greatest opportunity to reduce its impact. The M&E framework will enable role-players to plan, execute, and monitor their RFTS interventions in a balanced way. Full article
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16 pages, 2603 KiB  
Article
Methodological Proposal for Recognition Systems in Sustainable Freight Transport
by Rodrigo Rodrigues de Freitas, Márcio de Almeida D’Agosto and Lino Guimarães Marujo
Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7511; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13137511 - 05 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2065
Abstract
Establishing a recognition system for sustainable freight transport is a process of change that requires the commitment of those involved and application of good practices. The pressures from consumers and competitors do not allow greater engagement with economic, social, and environmental aspects, and [...] Read more.
Establishing a recognition system for sustainable freight transport is a process of change that requires the commitment of those involved and application of good practices. The pressures from consumers and competitors do not allow greater engagement with economic, social, and environmental aspects, and the maintenance stages require a long-term effort to obtain credibility, because the participation of external members of society in the evaluation contributes to reduce the influences and uncertainties of the recognition criterion. In light of the difficulties of establishing a green supply chain, we propose a method with multiple approaches with an emphasis on fuzzy logic. The purpose is to reduce the indecision of judgment, to debug the qualitative variables and to reduce interference from competitors. The procedure was applied to six companies that have carbon reduction programs, but we found that firms with a core business in transport had greater success in the transition to low carbon operations than contractors or shippers. The certification levels allowed visual contact between consumers and the company, making it possible to monitor sustainability actions in freight transportation operations and the competitiveness to achieve higher labeling levels. Full article
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21 pages, 2956 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Transport in the Danube Region
by Peter Mako, Andrej Dávid, Patrik Böhm and Sorin Savu
Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6797; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13126797 - 16 Jun 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2260
Abstract
Sustainability of transport systems is a key issue in transport. The main question is whether high levels of road and railway transport in areas along navigable waterways is an effective solution for this issue. The Danube waterway is an example. Generally, it is [...] Read more.
Sustainability of transport systems is a key issue in transport. The main question is whether high levels of road and railway transport in areas along navigable waterways is an effective solution for this issue. The Danube waterway is an example. Generally, it is not observed that traffic performance is not as high as on the Rhine. This paper deals with the revelation of the available capacity of this waterway based on approximation functions and their comparison with real transport performances. This methodology points to the level of use of waterways. The connection of this model with the production of fossil fuels creates a basis for a case study. The case study in this paper offers a possibility for a sustainable and environmentally friendly transition from road transport to inland water transport on the example of specific transport routes. The main contribution of this paper is a presentation of the application of sustainable models of use transport capacity to increase the share of environmentally friendly and sustainable inland water transport. The conclusion based on the case study and materials is that the available capacity of inland water transport on the Danube could support the transition of traffic performances to sustainable and environmentally friendly means of transport. Full article
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19 pages, 5820 KiB  
Article
Automation of the Road Gate Operations Process at the Container Terminal—A Case Study of DCT Gdańsk SA
by Karol Moszyk, Mariusz Deja and Michal Dobrzynski
Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6291; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13116291 - 02 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3254
Abstract
The future increased terminal capacity will result in more container movement through the road complex and rail siding, which are one of the most critical areas (potential bottlenecks) in the container terminal. Truck turnaround time is one of the major factors that customers [...] Read more.
The future increased terminal capacity will result in more container movement through the road complex and rail siding, which are one of the most critical areas (potential bottlenecks) in the container terminal. Truck turnaround time is one of the major factors that customers take into account while deciding how many container volumes they will handle through the container terminal. To enable to optimize increased traffic with future container terminal development, as well as increase gates throughput, and as a consequence, encourage more volume and increase customer satisfaction, Deepwater Container Terminal Gdańsk SA plans to reorganize and automatize the gate operation process. Gate automation includes supply, installation, commissioning, implementation, and maintenance of software and hardware that would allow automatizing the handling of trucks at container terminal gates by using OCR (optical camera recognition) technology, LPR (license plate recognition) systems and self-service kiosk for truck drivers. Full article
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16 pages, 2055 KiB  
Article
Route Selection Decision-Making in an Intermodal Transport Network Using Game Theory
by Lucija Bukvić, Jasmina Pašagić Škrinjar, Borna Abramović and Vladislav Zitrický
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4443; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13084443 - 15 Apr 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3051
Abstract
Traveling through a transport network, or ordering and delivering packets, involves fundamental decision-making processes which can be approached by game theory: Rather than simply choosing a route, individuals need to evaluate routes in the presence of the congestion resulting from the decisions made [...] Read more.
Traveling through a transport network, or ordering and delivering packets, involves fundamental decision-making processes which can be approached by game theory: Rather than simply choosing a route, individuals need to evaluate routes in the presence of the congestion resulting from the decisions made by themselves and everyone else. In this paper, a game theory model for resolving route choices in transport network graphs is used. In the process of doing this, discovering a rather unexpected result known as Braess’s paradox, which shows that adding capacity to a network can sometimes actually cause congestion and an increase in transport costs. The decisions are made by non-cooperative players in a game theory environment known as prisoner’s dilemma. These methods are used to analyze routing problems by competing logistics operators on the transport network consisting of three Eastern Adriatic ports and an intermodal terminal in Budapest. The congestion game can be used in route selection regarding a decrease in transport costs for the carriers who are considered as rational players choosing the most sustainable solution. Full article
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13 pages, 705 KiB  
Article
Stationary Traffic as a Factor of Tourist Destination Quality and Sustainability
by Robert Maršanic, Edna Mrnjavac, Drago Pupavac and Ljudevit Krpan
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3965; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13073965 - 02 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1707
Abstract
Since the Republic of Croatia is one of the most popular European and world tourist destinations, the aim of this paper is, from the user’s (n = 596) point of view, to research the importance of stationary traffic in tourist destinations. The [...] Read more.
Since the Republic of Croatia is one of the most popular European and world tourist destinations, the aim of this paper is, from the user’s (n = 596) point of view, to research the importance of stationary traffic in tourist destinations. The purpose of this paper is to point out the possibilities of improving the tourist destination quality and sustainability through an adequate parking service. In order to corroborate constructed scientific hypotheses, a larger number of scientific methods were used from which a polling method, analysis and synthesis method, descriptive statistics method, t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) should be singled out. The major finding of this paper indicates a relatively big importance of stationary traffic (M = 6.51; SD = 2.21) as an element of tourist destination quality. Moreover, regarding the quality of tourist destination, the results of this paper suggest that the parking space availability is more important than the way parking or parking payment are organized. Between the experienced parking problem in a tourist destination and age on one side and evaluation of the importance of stationary traffic as an element of tourist destination quality on the other side, a statistically important connection was established. Gained knowledge can be particularly helpful to hotel industry managers but also to traffic managers whose duty is to provide an adequate number of parking spaces in tourist destinations. Full article
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57 pages, 7550 KiB  
Review
Future Power Train Solutions for Long-Haul Trucks
by Ralf Peters, Janos Lucian Breuer, Maximilian Decker, Thomas Grube, Martin Robinius, Remzi Can Samsun and Detlef Stolten
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2225; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13042225 - 19 Feb 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6844
Abstract
Achieving the CO2 reduction targets for 2050 requires extensive measures being undertaken in all sectors. In contrast to energy generation, the transport sector has not yet been able to achieve a substantive reduction in CO2 emissions. Measures for the ever more [...] Read more.
Achieving the CO2 reduction targets for 2050 requires extensive measures being undertaken in all sectors. In contrast to energy generation, the transport sector has not yet been able to achieve a substantive reduction in CO2 emissions. Measures for the ever more pressing reduction in CO2 emissions from transportation include the increased use of electric vehicles powered by batteries or fuel cells. The use of fuel cells requires the production of hydrogen and the establishment of a corresponding hydrogen production system and associated infrastructure. Synthetic fuels made using carbon dioxide and sustainably-produced hydrogen can be used in the existing infrastructure and will reach the extant vehicle fleet in the medium term. All three options require a major expansion of the generation capacities for renewable electricity. Moreover, various options for road freight transport with light duty vehicles (LDVs) and heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) are analyzed and compared. In addition to efficiency throughout the entire value chain, well-to-wheel efficiency and also other aspects play an important role in this comparison. These include: (a) the possibility of large-scale energy storage in the sense of so-called ‘sector coupling’, which is offered only by hydrogen and synthetic energy sources; (b) the use of the existing fueling station infrastructure and the applicability of the new technology on the existing fleet; (c) fulfilling the power and range requirements of the long-distance road transport. Full article
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2020

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021

13 pages, 1035 KiB  
Article
Problems of Access to Services at Railway Stations in Freight Transport in the Slovak Republic
by Eva Brumercikova and Adrian Sperka
Sustainability 2020, 12(19), 8018; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12198018 - 28 Sep 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2194
Abstract
The article deals with the issue of access of freight carriers to services in railway stations. With the liberalization of the rail freight market, the number of carriers is gradually increasing. In this situation, infrastructure capacity is often insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary [...] Read more.
The article deals with the issue of access of freight carriers to services in railway stations. With the liberalization of the rail freight market, the number of carriers is gradually increasing. In this situation, infrastructure capacity is often insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to set the order of access to services in railway stations. The article will use the process of analytical hierarchy as one of many methods of multicriteria analysis. Four important indicators will be selected for carriers: railway stations where the service of stabling tracks can be used, railway stations where rail scales are located, railway stations where it is possible to use the services of a shunting movement from the infrastructure manager, railway stations where the carrier can be using the services of a mobile workshop. At the end of the article, the order of access to these services will be compiled according to the order of importance for railway undertakings. A significant factor will also be an approximate quantification of the performance of individual carriers passing through the selected station. Full article
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21 pages, 714 KiB  
Article
Setbacks to IoT Implementation in the Function of FMCG Supply Chain Sustainability during COVID-19 Pandemic
by Jelena Končar, Aleksandar Grubor, Radenko Marić, Sonja Vučenović and Goran Vukmirović
Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7391; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12187391 - 09 Sep 2020
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 9259
Abstract
One of the basic measures of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is a lockdown policy with reduced contacts and physical distance. This presents a challenge, especially for fast-moving-consumer-goods (FMCG) supply chains, which are characterized by a [...] Read more.
One of the basic measures of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is a lockdown policy with reduced contacts and physical distance. This presents a challenge, especially for fast-moving-consumer-goods (FMCG) supply chains, which are characterized by a large number of physical contacts between employees in production, physical distribution, wholesale, and retail. One of the ways to comply with the prescribed measures with the smooth functioning of the supply chain is the complete digitalization and automation of all business activities and operations based on the application of the Internet of Things (IoT). In this regard, this paper aims to analyze the setbacks to the digitalization of business processes and the sustainability of the FMCG supply chain based on the implementation of IoT. The research has been conducted among the participants in the standardization chain in the sectors of production, physical distribution, wholesale, and retail of FMCG in the Western Balkans region during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed significant differences between business sectors in terms of the intensity of setbacks to successful IoT implementation. Based on the obtained results, a set of measures and incentives was proposed that the competent institutions and the management of the FMCG supply chain should apply to encourage the digitalization process. Suggestions for future research are given in the paper. Full article
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20 pages, 2499 KiB  
Article
Educational Model for Evaluation of Airport NIS Security for Safe and Sustainable Air Transport
by Miroslav Kelemen, Volodymyr Polishchuk, Beáta Gavurová, Rudolf Andoga, Stanislav Szabo, Wenjiang Yang, John Christodoulakis, Martin Gera, Jaroslaw Kozuba, Peter Kaľavský and Matej Antoško
Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6352; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12166352 - 07 Aug 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2900
Abstract
One of the praxeological problems of safe and sustainable air transport (airfreight transport/air cargo, and air passenger transport) is the prevention and management of risks by competent staff, with the support of modern information and communication technologies. This paper presents an educational information [...] Read more.
One of the praxeological problems of safe and sustainable air transport (airfreight transport/air cargo, and air passenger transport) is the prevention and management of risks by competent staff, with the support of modern information and communication technologies. This paper presents an educational information model and software for the airport network and information systems risk assessment, primarily intended for aviation education and training of professionals for ensuring safe and sustainable air transport. The solution to the problem is based on the application of the fuzzy logic method in the air transport environment. Based on a fuzzy expert model, the selected scenario, and the input data established separately for airport assets by a group of 23 experts from aviation practice and a university, the following three assessments of airport network information system assets were constructed: Asset A2 (meteorological information systems) has an insignificant risk with an estimated 0.1162, and assets A1 (air traffic control and management (ATM), navigational aids and approach) and A3 (runway monitoring system) received a low risk of airport network and information systems (NIS) security with ratings of 0.2623 and 0.2915, respectively. An airport NIS risk assessment was aggregated (0.2288), indicating a low degree of security risk to the airport’s network and information systems. The aggregated risk assessment of airport NIS, including financial loss data, was calculated as 0.1438, representing a low degree of security risk to the airport’s network and information systems. Scenarios for evaluating airport assets are changing for students during education. The results of the developed model and its software will be part of the Simulation Center of the Faculty of Aeronautics. Full article
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