Operational synchromodal transport planning methodologies: Review and roadmap

This review aims to explore the potential for synchromodal transport planning at the operational level. Synchromodal transport planning involves the optimization of the movement of freights across multiple transport modes, with the objective of minimizing cost, improving efficiency, and promoting sustainability. Through this review, we provide a roadmap for methodological developments in the area of operational synchromodal transport planning research. The roadmap provides a comprehensive categorization of different fields and their trends. The fundamentals of synchromodal transport planning are evolved to more flexible planning approaches that take practical considerations and multiple objectives into account. Dynamic planning is evolving to become more adaptive and resilient to changing environments. Finally, collaborative planning will continue to integrate both vertical and horizontal collaboration with distributed optimization approaches. With dynamic and collaborative approaches considering preferences, the full potential of synchromodal transport planning can be unlocked towards efficient and sustainable freight transportation.