Modal Distribution Diversification and Intermodal Transport Analysis in Europe: A Comprehensive Investigation of Freight Transport Patterns

Ana Castro, Gabriel Ludke, Vânia Dias, Sónia Longras, Edit Sule, Estela Vilhena and António Rocha ()
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Ana Castro: School of Technology, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave—IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
Gabriel Ludke: School of Technology, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave—IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
Vânia Dias: AI—School of Technology, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave—IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
Sónia Longras: AI—School of Technology, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave—IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
Edit Sule: Department of Corporate Leadership and Marketing, Széchenyi István University, 9026 Győr, Hungary
Estela Vilhena: AI—School of Technology, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave—IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
António Rocha: AI—School of Technology, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave—IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 1-17

Abstract: Background : This study analyzes modal distribution patterns across Europe and 28 European countries, employing clustering analysis to identify trends in transport mode utilization. The research quantifies logistics diversification, examining extreme cases and addressing gaps in understanding modal transitions affecting environmental and economic performance. Methods : Statistical testing using compositional data transformations revealed significant differences between modal distributions ( p < 0.001), justifying country-specific and European-level assessments. K-means clustering was applied to identify groups of countries with similar modal distribution patterns. Results : Maritime and road transport constitute the predominant modes across all analyzed countries in the study period. Among terrestrial modes, road transport dominates universally, exhibiting systematic growth, while rail transport experienced a corresponding decline. This trend directly contradicts European sustainability objectives promoting modal shift toward environmentally superior alternatives. Romania demonstrates the highest logistics diversification with the most balanced modal distribution, while Portugal exhibits the lowest diversification due to maritime transport dominance. K-means clustering positioned Portugal within a maritime-dominated group alongside Greece, Cyprus, and Ireland, reflecting similar geographical constraints and distribution patterns. Conclusions : The findings reveal critical aspects requiring further investigation concerning European modal distribution trends that challenge current policy effectiveness, highlighting the divergence between observed transport patterns and stated sustainability goals. These results provide essential insights for addressing persistent modal shift challenges in European transport systems.

Keywords: modal distribution; logistics diversification; transport policy; sustainability; freight transport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:4:p:162-:d:1797486

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