Multicriteria Comparison of Piggyback Systems

Abstract

The results of analysis and comparison of the currently most common piggyback systems refer to those which are at the stages of both commercial operation and testing development. The comparison was made to determine a piggyback system that meets the requirements of the sustainable development concept and ensures the efficient functioning of supply chains. The authors are the first to propose a multi-criteria assessment methodology (MCDM) for piggyback systems that considers the requirements of main stakeholders of the supply chain: cargo owners, carriers and infrastructure owners. The analysis of the generated multi-criteria model for evaluating piggyback systems was carried out using the methodological apparatus of DEMATEL and MARCOS. A calculated example of ranking piggyback systems is based on the interests of supply chain stakeholders. The correctness of the results obtained was checked using other MCDM methods: TOPSIS, EDAS, MABAC and WASPAS. The results of assessing sensitivity of results of ranking piggyback systems were performed under various scenarios. The Flexiwaggon, Megaswing and Rolling Road piggyback systems received the highest scores. The proposed methodology is recommended for developing rationally based management decisions aimed at harmonising the technical and technological parameters of piggyback systems, as well as at the unification of intermodal transport units for development of sustainable supply chains.