Shedding Light into Barriers of Truck Sharing in Road Freight Transport: Bridging Driver and Company Perspective
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2024-06-14
Author(s)
Abstract
Sharing trucks in commercial road freight transport emerges as a promising solution to improve efficiency and sustainability in the traffic sector. By optimising the deployment of
trucks resources including driver, tractor and trailer, reductions in empty mileage and downtimes can be achieved, leading to lower emissions and alleviating congestion. However, despite the growing pressure on efficient truck usage due to rising costs associated with the adoption of alternative engines, shared mobility concepts contributing to optimsing truck utilisation are still scarce in road freight transport.
This paper employs a backcasting approach to explore barriers to overcome fostering the implementation of truck sharing in practice, with a specific focus on horizontal sharing among fleet operators. Applying a mixed methods approach, the perspectives of 110 professional truck drivers in Germany and Switzerland are investigated via an online survey. In addition, 24 semi-structured interviews are conducted with CEOs and managers of truck fleet operators.
Our findings from a comparative analysis reveal the existence of distinct barriers perceived by truck drivers and companies. To facilitate the adoption of truck sharing in road freight
transport, this study offers practical implications for both industry practitioners and policymakers. Recommendations aim to address the identified barriers and promote the implementation of truck sharing.
trucks resources including driver, tractor and trailer, reductions in empty mileage and downtimes can be achieved, leading to lower emissions and alleviating congestion. However, despite the growing pressure on efficient truck usage due to rising costs associated with the adoption of alternative engines, shared mobility concepts contributing to optimsing truck utilisation are still scarce in road freight transport.
This paper employs a backcasting approach to explore barriers to overcome fostering the implementation of truck sharing in practice, with a specific focus on horizontal sharing among fleet operators. Applying a mixed methods approach, the perspectives of 110 professional truck drivers in Germany and Switzerland are investigated via an online survey. In addition, 24 semi-structured interviews are conducted with CEOs and managers of truck fleet operators.
Our findings from a comparative analysis reveal the existence of distinct barriers perceived by truck drivers and companies. To facilitate the adoption of truck sharing in road freight
transport, this study offers practical implications for both industry practitioners and policymakers. Recommendations aim to address the identified barriers and promote the implementation of truck sharing.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Event Title
36th NOFOMA Conference
Event Location
Stockholm, Sweden
Event Date
12.-14. June 2024