According to Tavasszy et al. (2015) and Behdani et al. (2014) the vertical and at the same time horizontal integration of different transport modes leads to a coherent transport product with an improved service level for the shipper and a better use of resources concerning the different transport modes and transport sections. Tavasszy et al. (2015) describe synchromodality or synchromodal intermodality as a vision of a network of synchronized and connected transport modes that collaboratively meet the aggregated transport demand and align to the individual and current needs of the users of the transport network. As shown in Figure 1 and in accordance with Tavasszy et al. (2015) and Behdani et al. (2014) this includes transport chains where the truck can be used between origin A and terminal U as well as between terminal U and destinations B1 to B5. Following this definition synchromodality does not necessitate the use of different transport modes.
In the analyzed research papers there is also no consistency concerning the scope of the definitions for synchromodality. The definitions in the analyzed research papers and publications can be divided into four groups:
Table 1 – Classification of definitions for synchromodality
Scope References
Definitions that do not mention the scope of synchromodality within the transport chain. Tavasszy et al., 2010; SteadieSeifi et al., 2014; Reis, 2015; TKI DINALOG, no date
Definitions that describe synchromodality as relevant for all sections of a transport chain between shipper A and consignee B. ECT, 2011; Verweij, 2011; Douma et al., 2012; Li et al., 2013; Roth, 2013; DHL, 2014;
Definitions that describe synchromodality as relevant for sections of a transport chain within a clearly defined area
van der Burgh, 2012; alice, 2015
Definitions that describe synchromodality as relevant mostly for the pre- and post-haulage of maritime transports. Tavasszy et al., 2011; Pleszko, 2012; van Riessen, 2013; van Riessen et al., 2013a, 2013b; Behdani et al., 2014; Knol et al., 2014; Putz et al., 2015; Tavasszy et al., 2015;
Source: Author
The chosen scope of synchromodality defines which actors are identified as relevant and which roles are assigned to these actors. This becomes clear by e.g. comparing the definitions describing synchromodality as relevant for sections of a transport chain within a clearly defined area with definitions that describe synchromodality as relevant mostly for the pre- and post-haulage of maritime transports. In the first case operators of sea terminals do not have a significant role. In the second case operators of sea terminals are key actors of synchromodal transport chains (terminal operator’s haulage). (Tavasszy et al., 2015)
The vision of the synchromodal seaport hinterland transport chain
In order to describe the vision of the synchromodal seaport hinterland transport chain the maritime transport chain is described in a first step. A transport chain can be described as a sequence of different processes and relationships of a loading unit with resources necessary for carrying out the transport. (Schönknecht, 2009) Transport chains that include waterborne transport can be summarized as maritime transport chains. The general structure of a maritime transport chain is illustrated in Figure 2.