Multi-criteria Assessment of Piggyback Systems in Sustainable Supply Chains

Achieving the goals of the concept of sustainable development is a priority in improving transport systems. Multimodal and intermodal technologies in local and global supply chains are an effective tool for implementing the concept of sustainable development in transport and logistics. On the other hand, such a solution increases the complexity of managing the transportation process, which is a limitation of the use of this intermodal technology. This is primarily due to the variety of piggyback systems used in different countries. In addition, there is insufficient consideration of the interests of various supply chain's stakeholders in the process of choosing a piggyback system for a specific region, as well as in planning a transportation route. To solve the problem of sustainable development of supply chains through intermodal transportation, the authors analyzed all known piggyback systems and proposed an original system of parameters for their comprehensive assessment. We developed a multi-criteria model for assessing and choosing a piggyback system using the combined DEMATEL-MARCOS method, as well as a methodology for applying this model and method. A numerical example of ranking and selection of well-known piggyback systems is presented, both based on the objective opinion of academic experts and considering the interests of three stakeholders: suppliers, carriers, and infrastructure owners. The results of the ranking of piggyback systems obtained in the study are proposed to be used to design sustainable supply chains. The authors recommend the developed methodology to the owners of infrastructure and carriers for the formation of sustainable supply chains based on the creation and use of piggyback systems.