Innovative freight transportation framework for Flanders

1. Innovative freight transportation framework for Flanders Tabitha Maes Katrien Ramaekers An Caris Tom Bellemans Gerrit K. Janssens Hasselt University Transportation Research Institute

2. Outline • Introduction • Recent developments • Existing models in Belgium • Missing elements • Key elements for new framework • Conclusions Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

3. Introduction Flanders • Northern part of Belgium • Key region for logistics in Europe • Main port of Antwerp Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

4. Recent developments • State-of-the-practice models = four-step models • Based on passenger transport models • Looking at aggregated flows • Lacking elements of logistic behavior • No representation of the different agents • Main difference with passenger transport • More agents in decision making process • Recent trends = agent-based models • Focus on each agent separately • Model individual operational decisions • More disaggregated approach • Allows better representation of logistics Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

5. Existing models in Belgium • Four freight transportation models • Walloon Freight Transportation Model (WFTM) • Four-step model for Wallonia; 1990’s • Used to develop a freight transportation plan for 2010 • Model of TRITEL • Four-step model for Flanders; 2006 • Integrate logistic centers into the road matrix • Step towards integrating logistic aspects • PLANET • Belgian model; 2008 • Both passenger and freight transport • Traditional commodity-based four step model • MOBILEC (MOBILity\Economy) • First used in the Netherlands, adapted for Belgium; 2004 • Land-use transportation interaction model • Describes the interaction between transport and economy Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

6. Existing models in Belgium • Similarities • 10 NST/R commodity categories • Zoning at NUTS3 level = 43 “arrondissements” of Belgium • Three main transport modes • Road • Rail • Inland waterways • Disadvantages • All models are at the aggregated level • Little or no inclusion of logistic elements Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

7. Missing elements • Aggregated level • No representation of the different actors • No explicit links between economic activity and transport • Lacking elements of logistic organization • TRITEL model: first attempt with TLN for truck transport • WFTM: • allows representing transshipping and transiting • intermodal combinations Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

8. Key elements for new framework Production & attraction Distribution Logistic decisions Network assignment Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

9. Key elements for new framework • Agent-based micro simulated model for Flanders • No loss of information due to aggregation • Characteristics of freight transport • Include individual firm characteristics • Detailed representation of commodity groups • Tracking of single movements of goods • Relationship with the economy • Microeconomic background of commodity groups • Integrating future logistic challenges in supply chain management Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

10. Key elements for new framework Shipper Logistic actors Receiver • Choice of the agents • Logistic elements Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

11. Conclusions • A new innovative framework for Flanders based on: • An agent-based micro simulated model • Better representation of logistics • A better understanding of the interactions between agents • Further research has to be done to develop a prototype model and to collect the required data Tabitha Maes - SHRP 2

12. Innovative freight transportation framework for Flanders Tabitha Maes Katrien Ramaekers An Caris Tom Bellemans Gerrit K. Janssens Hasselt University Transportation Research Institute