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Advances in Land, Rail and Maritime Transport and in City Logistics

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Transportation and Future Mobility".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2026 | Viewed by 5558

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Alessandro Farina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Interests: innovative transport systems; city logistics; freight transport by rail and by sea; passenger transport; acoustic capacity of roads; port telematization; transport systems simulation; optimization algorithms
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Global trade and urbanization are continuously growing; as a result, there is an increasing demand for efficient transport systems and digitalization. On the other hand, the carbon footprint of freight and passenger mobility still poses a challenge; therefore, currently, there is an increasing need for innovative and green transport systems. This Special Issue focuses on recent advances and innovative approaches in land, rail, and maritime transport systems, as well as the evolving field of city logistics. This issue aims to highlight interdisciplinary research and practical case studies that address the challenges and opportunities across different transport modes and urban freight distribution. We welcome original research and review articles that contribute to improving operational performance, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing the resilience of transport and logistics networks.

Dr. Alessandro Farina
Guest Editor

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • land transport of freight and passengers
  • rail transport of freight and passengers
  • maritime transport of freight and passengers
  • intermodality and combined transport
  • city logistics digitalization in freight transport and logistics
  • intelligent transportation systems
  • simulation and optimization algorithms of transport systems

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2020 KB  
Article
Delay Model of Start-Up Loss Time at Signalized Intersections: Distinguishing Human-Driven and Autonomous Vehicles
by Liu Yan
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16042081 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 536
Abstract
To address the travel delay caused by start-up lag in queued traffic at signalized inter-sections and fill the research gap of unseparated start-up loss characteristics between human-driven vehicles (HDVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs), this study proposes an analytical start-up loss delay model applicable [...] Read more.
To address the travel delay caused by start-up lag in queued traffic at signalized inter-sections and fill the research gap of unseparated start-up loss characteristics between human-driven vehicles (HDVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs), this study proposes an analytical start-up loss delay model applicable to both unsaturated and saturated traffic states. The model explicitly quantifies queue-length-dependent cascading propagation effects of start-up loss, and integrates vehicle type-specific parameters based on traffic queue theory and mixed traffic flow field observation data. Conventional models are limited by underestimated delay from neglecting platoon-level start-up loss propagation and failure to account for intrinsic HDV-AV start-up mechanism differences; to resolve these, we first distinguished the two vehicle types’ start-up behaviors (reaction time, acceleration, platoon coordination), then decoupled their start-up loss mechanisms and quantified their delay contributions via theoretical derivation, with validation against field test data and comparison with classical Webster and Clayton models. Field results revealed an order-of-magnitude difference in start-up response: HDVs had an average 2.05 s reaction time with large individual variability, while AVs maintained a stable 0.3–0.5 s response; HDV platoons reached saturated flow at the sixth vehicle, versus the third for AV platoons due to consistent acceleration and shorter headways. Model validation showed that under unsaturated conditions, red light duration significantly affects HDV delay, and the AV mix ratio is exponentially negatively correlated with additional delay. Under saturated conditions, green light duration increases start-up loss delay for both vehicle types, yet the growth rate of AVs (3.1–12.3%) is far lower than that of HDVs (18.2–67.5%), and arranging AVs in the leading position of mixed platoons can further reduce delay. The proposed model improves the accuracy of delay estimation in mixed HDV-AV traffic environments, and provides a theoretical basis for the optimized design of signal control strategies and the efficient management of intersection travel delay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land, Rail and Maritime Transport and in City Logistics)
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19 pages, 3178 KB  
Article
Competitiveness Analysis and Freight Volume Forecast of High-Speed Rail Express: A Case Study of China
by Liwei Xie and Lei Dai
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020869 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 505
Abstract
To assess the market competitiveness of high-speed rail (HSR) express and forecast its freight volume, this paper develops an integrated framework combining strategic analysis, market forecasting, and competition assessment. A hybrid SWOT-AHP model identifies and quantifies key strategic factors, clarifying HSR express positioning. [...] Read more.
To assess the market competitiveness of high-speed rail (HSR) express and forecast its freight volume, this paper develops an integrated framework combining strategic analysis, market forecasting, and competition assessment. A hybrid SWOT-AHP model identifies and quantifies key strategic factors, clarifying HSR express positioning. Considering macroeconomic and consumption factors, a GM(1,N) model forecasts intercity express volume. Based on a generalized cost function covering timeliness, economy, safety, and stability, an improved Logit model calculates HSR’s mode share against road and air express, deriving future HSR freight volume. Using China as a case study, results show: (1) A proactive strategy leveraging intrinsic strengths is recommended, supported by rapid intercity express growth; (2) HSR can capture over 20% mode share initially, showing strong competitiveness in medium-long distance transport; (3) Transport cost is the most sensitive factor, a 20% reduction raises mode share by 10%, while rising timeliness demands enhance long distance advantages. This study offers a quantitative basis for HSR express strategic planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land, Rail and Maritime Transport and in City Logistics)
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32 pages, 9476 KB  
Article
From a Distance to a Process Perspective: A Method for Assessing the Feasibility of a Port–Dry Port System
by Claudia Caballini, Hilda Ghiara and Giovanni Gommellini
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11715; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111715 - 2 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1478
Abstract
Ports often act as bottlenecks in import cycles. Yet feasibility assessments of port–dry port systems still privilege distance/location over the process dynamics that generate time and cost. This paper proposes a process-centred feasibility method that links process analysis and reengineering, operational cycle design, [...] Read more.
Ports often act as bottlenecks in import cycles. Yet feasibility assessments of port–dry port systems still privilege distance/location over the process dynamics that generate time and cost. This paper proposes a process-centred feasibility method that links process analysis and reengineering, operational cycle design, and economics. We map AS-IS/TO-BE activities, design shuttle-train operations between port and dry port, and estimate costs via a time-driven approach aligned with TDABC. The method is applied to the Port of Genoa—Rivalta Scrivia dry port. Consolidating containers to a single inland destination and relocating customs clearance to the dry port via Fast Corridor stabilises yard operations, removes re-handling in the port-to-dry-port cycle, reduces dwell, and improves train formation and reliability. Under these conditions, the process-based configuration becomes time- and cost-competitive vis-à-vis all-road and conventional block-train baselines for relevant inland destinations. This paper reframes feasibility from a distance-based view to a process, cycle, and economics logic, offering managerial guidance and policy implications on regulatory enablers that unlock dry-port benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land, Rail and Maritime Transport and in City Logistics)
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19 pages, 1082 KB  
Article
A Hybrid Approach to Investigating Factors Associated with Crash Injury Severity: Integrating Interpretable Machine Learning with Logit Model
by Chenxi Wang and Thierry Serre
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10417; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910417 - 25 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1253
Abstract
Understanding the determinants of crash injury severity is essential for developing effective safety strategies and reducing traffic-related losses. This study proposes a hybrid analytical framework that integrates interpretable machine learning with statistical modeling to address the limitations of existing approaches. A Random Forest [...] Read more.
Understanding the determinants of crash injury severity is essential for developing effective safety strategies and reducing traffic-related losses. This study proposes a hybrid analytical framework that integrates interpretable machine learning with statistical modeling to address the limitations of existing approaches. A Random Forest (RF) classifier, combined with Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP), was first employed to capture nonlinear relationships and identify key predictors of injury outcomes, including safety equipment, age, gender, and the presence of fixed obstacles. Random Forest was chosen for its strong predictive performance in capturing nonlinear relationships, while SHAP provides transparent explanations of model predictions. To ensure statistical rigor and quantify associations, a Partial Proportional Odds (PPO) model was subsequently applied, allowing for the relaxation of the proportional odds assumption (POA) and enabling the estimation of marginal effects. The results consistently highlight the protective role of safety equipment and the increased risks associated with fixed obstacles, adverse weather, and nighttime conditions. For instance, seatbelt use is associated with a 29.61% higher probability of no injury, whereas fixed obstacles are associated with a 29.36% lower probability and a higher risk of severe injury. These findings support safety campaigns that encourage protective equipment use and infrastructure policies aimed at reducing roadside obstacles and improving nighttime visibility. Future research will focus on accounting unobserved heterogeneity and validating the framework across multi-regional datasets to improve its generalizability and policy relevance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land, Rail and Maritime Transport and in City Logistics)
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16 pages, 1506 KB  
Article
Theoretical Framework (Module) for Short-Sea Shipping System Evaluation
by Vytautas Paulauskas, Birutė Plačienė, Donatas Paulauskas, Rafał Koba, Patryk Lipka, Krzysztof Czaplewski, Adam Weintrit and Andrzej Chybicki
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 8058; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15148058 - 20 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1261
Abstract
Short-sea shipping, abbreviated SSS, is the transportation of goods by sea over relatively short distances, in contrast to intercontinental ocean and deep-sea shipping. Short-sea shipping (SSS) is important for cargo transportation in some regions of the world with many ports and well-developed liner [...] Read more.
Short-sea shipping, abbreviated SSS, is the transportation of goods by sea over relatively short distances, in contrast to intercontinental ocean and deep-sea shipping. Short-sea shipping (SSS) is important for cargo transportation in some regions of the world with many ports and well-developed liner shipping. The development and improvement of SSS systems is an important scientific and practical task. This article presents theoretical and experimental results of the development and optimization of SSS. A methodology for connecting and evaluating SSS and other transport chains was developed and tested by experimental studies, with the help of which it is possible to assess the efficiency of SSS and other transport chains, e.g., in terms of economy, freight transportation time, and environmental impact. The developed SSS methodology includes sea and land transport corridors, their assessment, and possible ways of optimizing transport chains using a comparative method and can be applied to various transport and logistics chains. The basis for the development and verification of the SSS methodology was the theoretical and experimental results of real short-sea shipping operations. The use of a comparative method based on which transport and logistics chains are assessed allows one to search for the most optimal SSS routes and possible factors that allow optimizing transportation costs and reducing transportation time and environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land, Rail and Maritime Transport and in City Logistics)
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