The feasibility of implementing High Capacity Transport in Sweden – a market opportunity?

Abstract

The White Paper of the European Commission states that transport is of great importance to a country and it envisions a future where transportation will be conducted in a more efficient manner. One way to achieve this in the road sector could be the usage of High Capacity Transport (HCT); thus the purpose of this study is to identify the feasibility of implementing HCT in the Swedish transport services market. To achieve this, a case study approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative elements is applied. Previous studies within this area show that there are benefits as well as drawbacks from the usage of this type of transportation. The results from this study indicate that HCT offers a number of opportunities for market actors in terms of environmental and cost advantages. There are also some barriers to implementation, including the rebound effect, safety, network restrictions and infrastructure. Nevertheless, gains in transport efficiency generate a market for HCT in Sweden along routes where flows of goods are sufficient.