The Impact of Digitalisation and Operational Coordination on Transport Efficiency in Intermodal Logistics

• Дата: 2026
• Автори: Angelova, Miglena, Tranakieva, Kremena
• Формат: Стаття
• Мова: Англійська
• Опубліковано: Dr. Viktor Koval 2026
• Теми: Digitalisation; Intermodal Terminals; Logistics Hubs; Supply Chain; Transport Infrastructure.
• Онлайн доступ: https://ees-journal.com/index.php/journal/article/view/340
• Назва журналу: Economics Ecology Socium

Background. Modern logistics is impossible without the construction and development of intermodal logistics hubs, the effectiveness of which largely depends on the level of digitalisation and the quality of operational coordination, which are key factors in their competitiveness. Purpose. This study aims to analyse the role and importance of modern intermodal logistics terminals in achieving efficiency in the integration of transport networks and to evaluate the impact of digitalisation and organisational coordination on the efficiency of intermodality in Bulgaria. Findings. The analysis revealed average terminal efficiency, primarily due to insufficient coordination among supply chain participants and increased cargo idle time. Infrastructure limitations are less critical than partial digitalisation and the lack of comprehensive digital solutions. The overall efficiency of intermodal terminals in Bulgaria is rated as average, with 47% of respondents rating it only as “satisfactory”. Weak coordination between operators (66% of participants) and insufficient digital integration were cited as key issues. The latter point is supported by the fact that 69% of specialists rated the current level of digitalisation as average or low, and 63% consider its improvement a key development priority. The lack of coordination and digital solutions directly correlates with operational losses, as cargo dwell times reach 3-6 hours; however, with better organisation, this can be reduced to 1-3 hours. According to 82% of respondents, these delays lead to increased logistics costs. The results confirm that the development of digitalisation is the foundation for improved coordination and operational efficiency, making it a key factor in optimisation. Implications. Digital integration is emerging as a strategically more important factor in the current development of intermodal terminals, and skilled integrated information management, especially against the backdrop of the country's strategic geographical location, will lead to rapid opportunities to improve the overall efficiency of intermodal terminals. Standardisation of electronic customer relationship management (e-CRM) documents and the use of full automation capabilities, including optical character recognition (OCR), radio-frequency identification (RFID), and terminal operating system (TOS) integration, are also recommended for future studies.