The Physical Internet from Shippers Perspective

Abstract

The Physical Internet will change the way that goods are handled, stored, packaged and transported across the supply chain. It mimics the Digital Internet, as freight in the Physical Internet would travel seamlessly as data is exchanged in Internet. Physical Internet has become a key element to achieve ALICE vision (Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration), representing shippers and logistics service providers. In order to achieve this vision, research challenges in five different areas should be tackled: sustainable, safe and secure supply chains; corridors, hubs and synchromodality; information systems for interconnected logistics; global supply network coordination and collaboration; and urban logistics. A survey launched by ALICE gathered the shippers’ perspective on the realization of the Physical Internet, including as key factors the transition required (business and governance models, regulation) as well as the barriers/triggers for its implementation. Future steps will focus on gaining endorsement on this vision.