Assessing the effects of COVID-19 on freight transport systems: a case study of Sweden

Jessica Wehner, Klara Ivanetti, Tobias Fors, Magnus Johansson and Rune Karlsson

Chapter 10 in Research Handbook on Transport and COVID-19, 2025, pp 199-218 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Sweden's freight transport system, utilizing in-depth analyses of heavy-duty vehicle movements, goods flow through Swedish ports, and interviews. Through an examination covering the years 2020 and 2021 as well as the pre-pandemic period of 2017–2019, the study offers valuable insights into how the pandemic influenced Sweden's transport system. It illuminates changes and adaptations within the freight transport system during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as innovative logistics solutions, digitalization, and automation processes, revealing the system's resilience. Additionally, the chapter compares the pandemic's effects with concurrent disruptive events such as Brexit and the Suez Canal blockage, as well as the financial crisis of 2008–2009. Unlike typical economic downturns characterized by reduced demand, the pandemic resulted in continuous freight transport demand that was difficult to meet at times, characterizing it as a “supply crisis.” Concluding with key findings and recommendations for policymaking and research, the chapter underscores the importance of agile responses and crisis management protocols, advocating for enhancements in digital infrastructure, research and development support, and industry collaboration.

Keywords: Corona Pandemic; Digitalization; Heavy-duty vehicles; Innovation; Resilience; Robustness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781802208009
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