Freight Transport and the Cross-Channel Movement of Steel

Abstract

This thesis provides a descriptive account of the movement of freight, and particularly the movement of steel, between the U.K. and the 'near-sea' countries of France, Belgium and Luxembourg, The Netherlands and West Germany. In addition it examines the alternative approaches to freight transport analysis with particular attention to disaggregate sectoral studies. The thesis provides a brief analysis of the state of freight demand and inter-modal competition within the U.K. as a means of establishing the basic terminology and providing a base for comparison with the international freight transport market. This is followed by a description of the freight market that exists between the U.K. and the near-sea countries. This involves the definition of both the various modes of transport and the types of traffic that are encountered. A number of alternative classifications are considered. The major factors that are likely to influence modal competition are considered and the main determinants of trade and thereby overall transport demand are discussed. The overall market is then examined in quantitative terms. Total tonnages moved are analysed by mode and commodity and the relationship between modal market shares and commodity types is examined. This enables the semi-bulk commodity sector to be identified as the one where inter-modal competition is generally greatest. This, and the importance of the sector in tonnage terms justifies a close analysis of a particular semi-bulk commodity. The chosen commodity is steel. The production and demand characteristics of the commodity are discussed in general terms and the relevant structure and location characteristics of the steel industry are analysed. These points are related to the inter-regional flow pattern of steel between the U.K. and the 'near-sea' countries based on a survey of major steel producers. The impact of location and other factors such as consignment size, modal charges and product values on modal choice within the sector is discussed. The major conclusion of the thesis is that disaggregate sector studies provide the fullest understanding of underlying determinants of transport demand and modal choice. However, the costs of data collection must necessarily limit their use to those circumstances where a detailed understanding is necessary.