Digital Services for Connected Freight Transportation: Exploring User Needs and Possible Solutions

Background

Freight transport is a critical part of Sweden’s transport system, carrying over 75% of all goods transported in the country. However, the sector faces significant challenges related to efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Heavy freight vehicles contribute to 21% of total road transport emissions and put strain on existing infrastructure, leading to costly maintenance and expansion needs. Traditionally, improving freight transport has relied on physical measures, such as expanding road capacity, enforcing speed limits with physical infrastructure, and managing access restrictions through signage and barriers. However, digital services are emerging as a cost-effective and adaptable alternative. By utilizing real-time data, automation, and connectivity, digital services can help optimize traffic flow, improve compliance with regulations, and enhance safety without the need for costly infrastructure expansion.

Despite the potential of digital services, challenges remain in adoption and implementation. The integration of these solutions requires collaboration between public authorities, freight operators, and technology providers. Additionally, questions remain regarding data availability, interoperability, regulatory frameworks, and user acceptance. This project aims to bridge this knowledge gap by evaluating the potential for digital services to replace physical measures in freight transport, assessing their socio-economic benefits, and identifying the conditions required for successful implementation. The findings will support decision-making for future transport policies and contribute to the ongoing digitalization of Sweden’s transport system.

Project description

The project focuses on evaluating five key digital services that have the potential to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in freight transport while reducing the reliance on physical infrastructure. These services include Intelligent Access Control, which optimizes freight vehicle access based on compliance to minimize road wear and enhance efficiency, and In-Vehicle Traffic Rules, which provides real-time updates on speed limits and road regulations to improve driver adherence. Additionally, In-Vehicle Traffic Information delivers real-time traffic updates to optimize routing and reduce congestion, Road Works Warning enhances safety by informing drivers about ongoing or upcoming roadworks, and Traffic Signal Optimization improves traffic flow through adaptive signal control, helping to reduce emissions and enhance freight efficiency.

To analyze the role and impact of these digital services, the project employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. A literature review and stakeholder interviews provide insights into current challenges, technology applications, and industry perspectives. Scenario analysis explores how digital services may function under different future conditions, while system dynamics modeling uses causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to examine interactions between stakeholders and assess socio-economic impacts. Additionally, workshops and expert engagement serve as platforms for validating findings, refining recommendations, and fostering collaboration among key industry players.

The expected outcomes of the project include the identification of physical measures that can be replaced by digital solutions and an assessment of their socio-economic benefits, such as cost savings, efficiency improvements, and enhanced road safety. Finally, the study also aims to provide a deeper understanding of the barriers and enablers that influence the adoption of digital services in freight transport.