The ESEP4Freight project, funded by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, focuses on:

• Creating, integrating and validating a set of web-based services integrated in an open-access Web Platform. This will include an interactive map of the existing European rail freight infrastructure with routes and schedules viewers, as well as a CO2 calculator, a contract toolbox and a match-making tool;
• Proposing recommendations to adapt the current contractual and legal framework in intermodal transport to the needs of the different actors involved in the supply chain;
• Bringing together many actors in the European logistics system to identify their information needs and test and disseminate the ESEP4Freight results.

In the framework of their project, ESEP4Freight is currently looking for shippers or Logistic service providers (LSPs) for conducting a one-hour interview to better understand the contractual needs of shippers and LSPs. Thus, they considered FOR-FREIGHT, as they were interested in interviewing our project partners, DHL Spain. 

The interview took place online on July 16th, and emphasised questions such as: 

• What is your exact role in the intermodal chain?
• As a shipper, can you describe the process by which you provide guidelines or select a transport solution, from an LSP?
• As a shipper, have you ever negotiated the content of a transport contract, beyond pricing?
• How are the freight rates calculated?
• What are the rules in case of additional costs (detours for example), etc.

Here are some pictures, and the interview recording will be available soon!