Analysis of Intermodal Transport Potentials for Vegetables Export from Southeast Spain

Abstract

This work studies the viability of intermodal transport of horticultural products from southeast Spain to the rest of Europe. This sector has an exportation turnover of 4100 million € and accounts for 69% of total Spanish exports and 35% of the consumption of vegetables in the European Union. The transportation services for the sector are carried out entirely by refrigerated trucks. Due to increased cost, transit limitations, and the strategic dependence on only one transport mode, it is necessary to seek out alternative logistics formulas. In this sense, intermodal transport could be a good option as it can reduce cost and the environmental impact of transport. This paper analyzes the problems involved in using intermodality by conducting a survey among exporters with the additional goal of looking for viable routes using road + short sea shipping. The impact of the transport modal shift on exports is also analyzed using a gravity model. The results show that the route from southeast Spain to the United Kingdom is the most viable. What is more, this strategy can increase exports to this country by reducing transport costs. In general, intermodality can help improve the competitiveness of the Spanish horticultural export sector.