As part of their master’s thesis within the Intelligent Surface Access Community (ISAC) project, Marcus Sohlberg and Albert Perez Gallardo from Chalmers University recently interviewed John von Stamm, coordinator of the ReMuNet project. The ISAC project, led by the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR), investigates how Intelligent Access (IA) can help National Road Authorities (NRAs) optimise infrastructure use and promote sustainable freight transport.

The interview aimed to explore potential synergies between ReMuNet’s multimodal transport solutions and IA’s goal of ensuring “the right vehicle with the right load on the right road at the right time” through digitalisation and connected vehicles. The discussion shed light on shared challenges, such as fostering stakeholder trust in data sharing, and highlighted opportunities for collaborative knowledge exchange between the two initiatives.

Trust and data sharing – A key barrier in the logistics industry: A significant topic raised during the interview was the persistent issue of distrust in the logistics sector regarding data sharing. Due to the industry’s low-profit margins and high competitiveness, many stakeholders are reluctant to share sensitive data without guarantees of data security and privacy. John von Stamm explained that gaining stakeholder buy-in for a data-sharing platform requires establishing a robust governance framework that ensures only permissible data is visible or editable. Without such assurances, the reluctance to participate could hinder the development of integrated, intelligent transport solutions.

ReMuNet, primarily a multimodal transport project, aims to create a data-sharing environment that can be trusted by diverse stakeholders. Although the project is not solely focused on road transport, there are shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration with initiatives targeting Intelligent Access (IA). For instance, ReMuNet’s approach involves simplifying the scope by focusing initially on container transport and smaller use cases. This step-by-step approach allows the project to navigate the complexity of multimodal logistics while addressing data security concerns.

National and European collaborations: John von Stamm also highlighted the relevance of national projects such as the German-funded STAFFEL project, which focuses on building up a cross-stakeholder relay transport platform for road freight logistics. The project explores dynamic solutions, such as adaptive interchange points for trailers, enhancing operational efficiency. The STAFFEL project’s focus on data sharing and AI applications aligns well with ReMuNet’s objectives, indicating potential areas for knowledge exchange.

The interview underscored the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the road freight sector. Unlike major companies, smaller operators often struggle with bureaucratic hurdles, which can negatively impact their business. Given that the road transport industry is largely dominated by SMEs, creating a standardised, scalable data-sharing framework becomes crucial for improving market access and fostering innovation.

The discussion also touched on the future of AI and autonomous driving in road freight transport. John von Stamm noted that while autonomous trucks could potentially reduce casualties significantly, societal acceptance remains a significant barrier. The ethical dilemma surrounding AI-driven accidents versus human-caused accidents poses a challenge for widespread adoption. Stakeholders may be hesitant to fully embrace autonomous technologies until these societal and ethical concerns are addressed.

The insights shared during this engaging discussion reflect the broader mission of the ReMuNet project: fostering innovation through collaboration and contributing to a more resilient, sustainable transport ecosystem. By openly sharing its expertise and lessons learned, ReMuNet underscores its commitment to advancing knowledge within the logistics and intelligent transport systems communities. This dedication not only strengthens synergies but also paves the way for more integrated, efficient, and sustainable multimodal transport solutions across Europe.