Transport Logistics

framework to achieve broader socio-economic objectives. The range of policy issues

affecting the efficiency and sustainability of global logistic systems are wide and extend

beyond the jurisdiction of narrowly focused government agencies charged solely with

improving the performance of the transport sector. Also, since transport and logistics are

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interrelated with international trade, international finance, sustainable economic

development, global climate change and regional and local concerns, the policy framework

should be seen in a much broader context and be co-ordinated internationally, where

appropriate.

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Within this overall framework, a range of triggers and constraints need to be designed given

the regional variations in “local” conditions. Countries differ in their use of logistics since

they are at different stages of development with diversified cultural backgrounds. Many

governments, including those in Asia, still have a very limited understanding of logistics.

Several countries suffer from insufficient specialised logistics knowledge as well as lack of

more general awareness of the importance of logistics, and are therefore unable to formulate

cohesive policies to manage logistics. In addition, modern logistics concepts such as

intermodal transport have not penetrated these countries yet. Nevertheless, all regions should

respond to the current developments in logistics and the need for efficient and

environmentally friendly transport solutions.

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The effectiveness and efficiency of policy actions could be analysed through comparative

studies. A major difficulty encountered in this study was the lack of information available to

compare and contrast different regions. Although assessments of performances of logistics

systems and effectiveness of policies could be made possible by the use of appropriate

performance indicators, at present indicators and data for monitoring developments in

logistics are lacking. Therefore, there is a need for co-operative research to develop these

indicators and identify policy relevant data requirements. It is also necessary to establish

comparability of data collections through a co-ordinated statistical database in order to

enable data sharing among all participants.

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The strategic use of ICT is critical for realising advanced logistics systems. On the other

hand, the high pace of change in this area poses a challenge. The increasing use of ICT in

logistics resulting in fast, flexible development of transport on a global scale may pose a

threat to achieving sustainability unless the policy requirement is rigorously defined. Many

governments are lagging behind in the development of a policy framework that could

promote the effective use of ICT to the benefit of transport efficiency and sustainability.

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Although there is little sense of urgency in the international arena for sustainable mobility, it

is essential that the policy tools for achieving compatibility between logistics development

and sustainability be formulated. Therefore, governments need to enhance the capacity for

advanced transport logistics to contribute to sustainable transport development in the

context of increasing globalisation of economic activity.

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Logistics yields opportunities to expand intermodal freight transport by increasing the

volume and length of flows and by taking advantage of the better planning and co-ordination

possibilities offered through ICT. Thereby, logistics could contribute to the achievement of

sustainability objectives by improving the level of service offered by intermodal transport to

make it more attractive to shippers. However, this will require co-ordinated interventions by

governments, including harmonised regulations, and standardisation of frameworks

surrounding the use of technologies and infrastructures. Research on mechanisms, such as

Performance Based Standards, to facilitate innovation and the introduction of new

operational and infrastructure technologies through regulatory reform is required.

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