The modal shift requires more than just rail freight transport, the appropriate infrastructure and digital transformation.

TU Darmstadt connects generations, promotes lifelong learning and strengthens networks that extend far beyond graduation.

Semi-trailers account for around 70% of freight traffic on Germany's roads. So how can we shift more goods from road to rail?

The advantages of combined road/rail freight transport (CT) are obvious: less CO₂, fewer traffic jams, greater attractiveness for drivers. The German government also predicts that combined transport will grow by 76% by 2051, and yet there are still many hurdles to overcome!

And how robust is the transport system in the event of disruptions or fluctuating transport volumes? Our successfully completed research project “Logistics networks in the steel industry” examined precisely these issues. Traditionally, coal has played a central role in crude steel production, with large quantities being transported to steel producers by rail. However, climate protection requirements are setting new priorities: coal is to be increasingly replaced by hydrogen and a higher proportion of steel scrap.

What are the reasons why digital platforms are used in intermodal freight transport – and why not? Paul Bossong, Anne Reinhardt and Prof. Ralf Elbert explored the reasons why by interviewing 21 firms in the intermodal freight transport industry such as platform providers, intermodal operators, freight forwarders, terminal operators and market experts

The question “What is logistics?” cannot just be answered with “transportation and warehousing” – it encompasses much more. Logistics is the backbone of modern economic systems and ensures that goods, information and services are managed and moved efficiently.

We live in a highly connected world and modern logistics is no longer conceivable without value creation networks. Open and flexible value chains characterize our economic system in a dynamic international environment.

The logistics industry is constantly evolving – driven in particular by digitalization, automation and data-based decision-making. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in this, even if the real key to progress lies not in AI itself, but in the underlying data, because no AI can work meaningfully without high-quality, structured and contextualized data.

Global flows of goods require precise planning and coordination. In the Transport Management module at TU Darmstadt, students acquire in-depth knowledge of modern logistics processes, intermodal transport solutions and supply chain management. Practical, future-orientated and with a focus on sustainability, the course prepares students for responsible positions in a dynamic industry.

Climate-friendly, efficient, forward-looking: Combined transport links rail, road, water and air to create intelligent transport chains. At TU Darmstadt, students learn how these multimodal systems are planned, controlled and optimized – with a focus on digitalization, sustainability and resilient supply chains. Practical teaching, active research and innovative projects such as the “Combined Transport Forum” or the innovation laboratory at HOLM make TU Darmstadt a pioneer in this field.