Rail freight transport in Italy: an analysis of combined transport connections

In this paper, an analysis of combined rail freight transport in Italy is carried out. Firstly, after an introduction on combined rail transport in Italy and Europe, the main characteristics of this transport mode are provided. In particular, an overview on the typologies of rail connections operated in combined freight transport is provided, and, in particular, a distinction is made between scheduled and non scheduled ones. Secondly, the research focuses on the main Italian rail terminals for combined transport: the scheduled connections among these terminals are determined, and the reasons why some of these rail terminals have become the most important are analyzed. Three main categories of rail terminals in Italy have been identified: rail terminals located in complex logistic structures, such as freight villages; rail terminals completely devoted to rail-road intermodal activities, and which are not located in freight villages; rail terminals located in ports (or close to them). Thirdly, this research aims at understanding the strengths and weaknesses of combined rail freight transport in Italy, in order to know which aspects must be improved and where it is necessary to invest.