The contributions of logistics to enhance energy-efficiency in freight traffic

The amount of freight traffic is dependent on manifold criteria. The currently often quoted and discussed globalization changes production, procurement as well as marketing processes. Production processes are no longer set up on national levels but rather in a global environment. Freight traffic is therefore associated with a wide range of determinants: Level and structure of production and commercial activity in a national economy; density and allocation of economic activity in an area; intensity and structure of foreign trade; large-scale position of a national economy.; characteristics of freight logistics within the producing and trading economy; quantity and quality of the transport network; level and structure of transport fees; et cetera [2]. In a macro-economic view the efficiency of transport systems as well as the efficiency of a national economy depict a reciprocal relation. Both transportation and shipping are a fundamental prerequisite for the adequate satisfaction of goods demand, a higher division of labor and more competition. This is valid for the domestic market as well as for foreign trade. Economic prosperity increases the demand for freight traffic inversely [3].