Factors facilitating intermodal transport of perishable goods – Transport purchasers viewpoint

Abstract

The aim of this article is to identify factors that facilitate increased use of intermodal transport for perishable products based on a survey of firms exporting fresh fish from Norway to Continental Europe. The experiences in the Norwegian aquaculture industry indicate that intermodal transport solutions must be expanded and that the long haul by rail must run all the way to a central hub in Europe. This can only be achieved with a balanced flow of goods and if processors coordinate transport to deliver sufficiently large volumes to fill trains at an acceptable frequency.