Challenge Freight transport systems differ significantly from passenger transport in both structure and decision-making complexity. Unlike individual passenger choices, freight systems must account for a network of stakeholders including producers, inventory managers, logistics providers, and end consumers, all operating within local and global supply chains. Despite recent advances in freight demand modelling, current models often rely on aggregate-level approaches that overlook the economic behaviour of the firms making the actual transport decisions. This limits their ability to inform nuanced, responsive policy and investment decisions.
Solution This research aims to address these limitations by applying a hybrid modelling approach that integrates both aggregate and disaggregate methods to analyse international and interregional freight flows. Specifically, it will combine macro-level freight generation and trip distribution models with behavioural freight modelling that captures firm-level decision-making. This dual-layered framework will allow for a more accurate and detailed understanding of the economic, logistical, and spatial factors influencing freight transport choices across various commodities and geographies.
Impact By bridging the gap between disaggregate behavioural insights and aggregate zone-to-zone optimisation, the research will offer a more complete picture of freight dynamics. The integrated model has the potential to improve infrastructure planning, regulatory strategies, and freight system efficiency on both national and international scales.
