Intermodality and the changing role of nodes in transport networks

This paper analyses some of the economic issues involved in the diffusion o f modem intermodal technologies and the impact of intermodality on the func tions performed by nodes in transportation networks. Two simple economic mo dels are presented: the first considers why an intermodal transport service may be chosen instead of traditional single modal services, while the seco nd addresses the link between standardisation and warehousing. The last sec tion focuses, in a less abstract and more detailed way, on the maritime tra nsport sector. The aim is to find evidence for the effects highlighted by t he models.