An important result of the project will be an e-tool that aims to support a company’s search for potential strategic improvements due to a modal change. In order to compare the current practice with an alternative based on a different transport mode, six main criteria are used: time, cost, flexibility, reliability, quality and sustainability. The alternatives are compared with each other, giving a percentage difference on each of the criteria. The combination of these criteria provides the user with a broad overview of the potential effects of a modal change. The BE LOGIC tool makes use of the judgement of the user, a terminal database containing intermodal services and a calculation tool for emissions.

The tool is mainly aimed at SMEs, but is definitely also very useful for larger companies that want to investigate the impacts of a modal shift on the six aforementioned criteria (time, cost, flexibility, etc.). Especially cargo owners (shippers) can use the tool to see if a modal shift helps them to ‘green’ their supply chain, while at the same time keeping other performance criteria at least at the same level. Of course the same applies to transport companies.

An online version of the tool is currently being developed, to enhance its user-friendliness and its accessibility. The tool is not yet available to the general public at this time, since it is still in its development phase. However, if you are interested in testing the tool, please send a short e-mail with your contact details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and you will be provided with a username and password that will give you access to the tool.

For a more comprehensive overview of the results achieved by the project, please click here to download the public deliverables.