In the ongoing amendment to the Combined Transport Directive, the European Commission seeks to redefine freight transport, sparking debate within the intermodal transport sector. The proposed definition, labelled ‘closest appropriate terminal’, faces criticism for its ambiguity and potential to fund unsustainable transport services.

Under the proposed amendment, ‘intermodal transport’ would involve goods moved in closed cargo units between various modes without packing and unpacking. ‘Combined transport’, a subset of intermodal transport, aims to reduce external costs by 40 percent compared to road transport alone, using a calculator on the eFTI platform.

However, concerns arise regarding the fluctuating methodology for calculating external costs. In response, the International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport proposes a simplified definition: transport where non-road modes cover over 50 percent of the actual distance, increasing to 60 percent by 2035.

This streamlined approach aims to maintain the cost advantage of combined transport while removing the complexities associated with the eFTI platform implementation. Ralf-Charley Schultze, UIRR president, emphasises the importance of clarity and simplicity in defining combined transport operations amid evolving transportation landscapes.

For more information, visit www.uirr.com