In the past years the Commission has supported a range of research activities addressing different aspects of ICT use in freight transport and several research projects are currently running to develop and demonstrate innovative intelligent cargo solutions. Now there is a need to clearly address the consequences of the introduction and deployment of autonomous, more decentralised information and communication systems in freight transport.

The main objective of this study was to perform an analysis of information and communication technologies’ (ICT) potential to increase efficiency of freight transport. The results of the study will support the decision processes on relevant European policies in the area of ICT for freight transport by providing independent assessment of direct and indirect impacts of intelligent cargo systems.

The study was commissioned by the European Commission to a consortium consisting of PTV and ECORYS.

• The study has provided the following results:
• A description of the current situation of intelligent cargo software applications in Europe;
• An inventory of opinions of experts and users regarding the most relevant developments in this field;
• Two future scenarios have been developed;
• For these 2 scenarios an analysis of the impacts of intelligent cargo systems addressing efficiency, sustainability, safety and security issues has been carried out. This analysis was focused on the socio-economic impacts;
• Description of a migration path from the current situation to the scenario with the highest potential.

For more information:

Robert Piers
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Dick Mans
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