We use data to create strong multimodal transport systems

Science thrives on dialogue, and modern logistics thrives on data. At the Chair of Management and Logistics, we investigate how data-driven management can help to further develop complex multimodal transport and logistics systems – with a focus on efficiency, environmental protection and security of supply.

We are working to close data gaps in freight transport, build digital replicas of logistics systems and create sound decision-making bases for practitioners and policymakers. To this end, we analyse the planning and operation of networks and develop methods to intelligently link transport modes, transhipment technologies, digital platforms and business models. Discover our research and help us shape the future of data-driven logistics.

Our dialogue in Hesse, Germany and the world

Rail freight transport can be innovative? That's right!

Everything at a Glance: Data-Driven Transportation Planning Using Remote Sensing

Unforeseen events such as infrastructure failures or extreme weather conditions can cause significant delays in transport chains and exacerbate the already high complexity of transport planning. At the same time, insufficient data availability and a lack of comprehensive monitoring capabilities for transport networks pose additional challenges for transport logistics. This is where the RemoteSensing4Intermodal project comes in, by investigating the potential of remote sensing data—particularly satellite imagery—for transport planning and the monitoring of transport networks.

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Load cooperation in combined transport? This is how it works.

The main CT leg is currently handled mainly by shuttle trains operated by individual CT operators, which run between two terminals with fixed wagon sets – without intermediate stops for handling goods. Increased cooperation between CT operators offers the opportunity to address these challenges. If several companies involved, such as shippers, freight forwarders, CT operators, rail transport companies (RUs) and terminal operators work together, they can use their transport resources more efficiently.

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Making intermodal freight transport resilient – but how?

Unpredictable events such as accidents and storms, which occur more frequently due to climate change, cause considerable economic damage in continental transport chains. Intermodal transport chains such as Combined Rroad/Rail Freight Transport (CT) are particularly sensitive to such disruptions due to their complexity. How can shippers, carriers and freight forwarders plan their transports as resiliently as possible?

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Possibilities of collecting capacity utilization data in rail transport and initial piloting

Precise knowledge of usage data in rail transport, both in freight and passenger transport, is crucial for the efficient management and improvement of rail transport in Germany. Efficiency and control should be improved. Particularly in rail freight transport, by gaining valuable insights into capacity utilisation and operational flexibility. This research focuses on the identification and analysis of freight wagon utilisation indicators and the techniques used to measure them.

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Güterzüge an einem Umschlagsbahnhof
Picture: Canva/zennie/Getty Images Signature

Research close to practice

How does the introduction of a city toll affect urban freight transport? How can the service network design of an intermodal operator be optimized or route planning be made more efficient for a freight forwarder?

Zu unseren Forschungsprojekten

Our goal: shifting, reducing and avoiding traffic

With the help of application-oriented planning, control and analysis of logistics and transport services, we are researching intelligent and future-oriented solutions to tackle social and economic goals such as climate change or the modal shift.

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Research cooperations for a sustainable future

In addition to internal university partners, we are also in constant exchange with research partners on the international stage.

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Publications on freight transport, busniess management and logistics

Find out more about our publications relating to our research for a sustainable future in freight transport.

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Our conference visits

Our team travels to various conferences and meetings for national and international exchanges on sustainable and innovative freight transport. From Dresden, Berlin and Halle to Edinburgh, Mumbai and Montréal, we get in touch with colleagues from the field of logistics research and share the latest developments and research findings.

Find out more about our exciting conference activities.