How can long-distance transport become more efficient?
It is important in this regard to utilise the benefits of each individual mode of transport, the correct mode of transport for the correct task. In order to be able to use the most sustainable mode of transport for a route, it is absolutely crucial that we optimise the transfer between different modes of transport - it should be cost-effective, accessible and punctual.
We must do this together with you! Long-distance transport, including terminal and port handling, is perhaps the most complex in the entire supply chain. There are lots of different players who must interact in a large but rather crowded ecosystem with fierce competition. A great deal of work and communication has traditionally taken place in silos.
We must work together if we are to change the long-term logistics system towards meeting the SDGs of Agenda 2030. Everyone needs to be involved across all modes of transport and all elements of the logistics chain. CLOSER makes this type of collaboration possible. We want to focus on your ideas in order to find initiatives that strengthen a sustainable supply of transport to, from and within Sweden's borders in the field of long-distance transport.
Long-distance transport is crucial for imports to and exports from Sweden in order for us to have a well-functioning business environment and a high level of service for Swedish residents, while we work together with our partners to counteract the negative consequences, which transport contributes to climate, working conditions and our immediate environment.
"We see major advantages in a neutral platform such as CLOSER, where different players can meet to discuss project proposals, create project groups, divide the work so that everyone progresses towards essentially the same goal, consolidate and disseminate project results."
Lena Larsson, Volvo Group
To succeed with this, we need to know exactly what you are driven by and what role you see yourself playing in order to be relevant in the major transition that Sweden, Europe and the world are facing. What are the incentives for your organisation? What do you need help with? Commitment from all sections of society will be needed in order to strike the right balance between the various aspects of sustainability - economical, environmental and societal. We are specifically looking for those of you who are open to new ideas and wish to be at the forefront of the transition to a sustainable future.
What is CLOSER doing in terms of each mode of transport?
Rail transport
CLOSER is engaged in a number of initiatives in the field of rail transport. We have found that rail transport will play a major role in a sustainable logistics system, particularly as it is an energy-efficient and robust traffic system, which complements other modes of transport. The goal is to have a competitive rail system that is reliable.
Together with our partners, we want to take advantage of all the available options in the field of rail transport and improve how it works in conjunction with other modes of transport. We believe that, together with its partners, CLOSER is an important arena for promoting innovation in sustainable business models and system solutions. Technological development is crucial if we are to achieve an accessible and usable rail system. Here we have a number of initiatives and collaborations within Sweden and at European level, e.g. connected train carriages and automated linking of trains.
What is CLOSER doing in terms of rail transport?
Shift2Rail
Long-distance Road Transport
Together with our partners, we are working on long-distance road transport, primarily by investigating the possibility of introducing longer and heavier lorries on parts of the Swedish road network. CLOSER driver High Capacity Transport (HCT) - a programme funded by the Swedish Transport Administration. The principal reason for the programme being based at CLOSER is that it is absolutely crucial to have a neutral player who functions as a hub to reconcile the public sector, academic world and private players who, in some cases, are direct competitors.
The main focus right now and for the continuation of the programme is on logistical system impact, how longer vehicles in combination with other modes of transport can create a habitable society on people's terms and not those of vehicles. Longer vehicles of up to 34.5 meters can be a last mile solution in combination with rail or maritime transport in order to increase efficiency across the entire transport chain; again, the correct mode of transport for the correct task. The potential gain is, e.g. that a great deal of freight can be loaded together on a route. Both on a long route and shorter route, e.g. from the terminal or port to the end customer - it would be less expensive, emissions would be reduced and we would have fewer lorries on our roads, which has an impact on noise levels and safety in the traffic environment.
Together with our partners, we also investigate the potential risks of longer and heavier vehicles, e.g. regarding road safety, in the HCT programme.
What do you need to know about High Capacity Transport?
High Capacity Transport (HCT)
REEL
Want to know more about long-distance transport?
Thomas Asp
Anna Björkman
How do we create logistics in the city on people's terms?
How does digitalisation affect logistics?
