Study of the Multimodal Freight Transport Sector in Romania: Analysis of the External and Internal Environment

Abstract

The paper studies the current situation of the multimodal freight transport sector in Romania, using the analysis of its external and internal environment. The goal is to find out what are the pluses and minuses of this sector and what strategies must be adopted so that the targets set by the European Green Deal can be reached. This EU strategy emphasizes that, in order to reduce pollution, emphasis must be placed on multimodal transport, with an emphasis on rail transport. Thus, the general external environment is defined by the following factors: demographic, economic, technological, ecological, etc. While the labor force crisis in the road transport of goods deepens, and the average age of the staff in the railway sector is getting higher, the policy of the EU and, implicitly, of the EU member states stimulates multimodal transport, in order to reduce CO2 emissions. The Porter model shows that, despite the forces acting in a negative direction, the multimodal freight transport market is attractive. At the same time, from the strategic group belong both multinational corporations and enterprises with domestic capital, which underlines the attractiveness of the market. Thus, it is necessary to apply the strategy that involves a reduction of costs, but not by decreasing the quality of the services offered. On the other hand, the SWOT analysis indicates that multimodal freight transport in Romania is in the ideal/maximum situation. Therefore, it is necessary to apply an aggressive strategy. Thus a net competitive advantage will be ensured. The strategy consists in stimulating rail freight transport, which will contribute to reducing pollution.