Transport is an important industry. The branch of transport called freight road transport has become the leading form of transport in modern times. As a result, the need for logistics solutions arose and intermodal transport began to be developed for this purpose. The latter combines different transport branches that allow uniform transport from starting point to the end point without intermediate transhipment. The purpose of this transport is to achieve lower costs and lower pollution of roads and the environment. Intermodal transport uses ISO containers and swap bodies and intermodal semi-trailers. ISO containers are easy to load/unload and are durable and reusable. ISO container sizes are produced according to standards, distinguishing between 20 ', 40', 40 'Hi-Cube and 45' Hi-Cube containers. Swap bodies are more adapted to the dimensions of road vehicles in comparrison to ISO containers. The backpack technology used in the intermodal transport of road freight vehicles comprises three types: A, B and C.
In addition to the above-mentioned containers, intermodal transport also uses a Semitrailer towing vehicle, a road truck and a towing unit as freight units. When purchasing a transport vehicle, the carrier must take into account technical, transport, economic, manipulative, operational and ecological characteristics. Trailers used in intermodal container transport are divided into semi-trailers and trailers. Some semi-trailers offer the option of extending or folding the middle and rear part, allowing us different options for transporting containers. A combination of a towing vehicle and at least one trailer in road freight transport is called a group of vehicles.
The vision for the future in the field of intermodal transport is focused on ecology, lower costs and less burden on the environment. Certain manufacturers have already started investing in sustainable development, greater safety and driver comfort. In the coming years, this industry is betting on the development of autonomous trucks and a platooning system. In Slovenia, the number of lorries and trailers is increasing every year.
The purpose of the diploma thesis is to present modern road freight vehicles as part of intermodal transport and intermodal freight units.
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