The main goal of this paper is to provide an original model of selecting multimodal technologies for the transport of perishable goods. The model in particular refers to the transportability of cargoes. The features of cargoes that have the most impact on transportability were specified. Formal representations of the key elements of the model were presented and characterized, including: perishable cargoes, form of transported goods (solid, liquid, etc.), means of handling (including loading devices and transport means), transport routes, categories of human labor, multimodal technologies and transportation tasks. A formal representation of decision variables, as well as constrains and a criterion function were provided. The model bases on two main solution assessment criteria: cost criterion and cargo safety criterion. A cargo safety criterion in the model is composed of 18 partial criterion functions. Each of these functions directly affects one safety aspect of the transported cargo. The exemplary partial criteria of cargo safety included in the model are: acceptable transport time, minimum or maximum temperature in the cargo’s direct surroundings, resistance to mechanical damage. In order to present a practical application of the presented mathematical model the paper shows also an example of selecting one of the multimodal technologies for the transport of perishable goods from the set of pre-defined types of multimodal transport technologies. The developed method uses different elements of the mathematical model provided in the paper, depending on the considered problem (including characteristics of cargo and their transport forms). For a significant group of perishable cargoes, it is not required to consider all defined criteria associated with cargo safety. The developed model allows for the accurate selection of transport technology for perishable cargoes for most transportation tasks. It should help to increase the efficiency of selection of multimodal transport technology for perishable products. The selected technology will then be characterized by the lowest transport cost and will ensure the safety of transported cargoes, as well as will meet other requirements determined by the transport task. As part of further work, it is possible to develop proposed method by considering additional characteristics of perishable cargoes.

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The paper proposes a new single criterion mathematical model for the designing of multimodal transport processes by taking into account the cargo’s susceptibility and the concept of its inclusion into the EPLOS system, which is done as part of the EUREKA initiative. This system will integrate the data from logistics sources and transport and logistics infrastructure from many sources. In the first phase of its implementation, it will cover the Czech Republic, Poland, and the Baltic States. Using the EPLOS system integrating data from various sources needed to solve this problem is a proposal to overcome the main barrier to the effective planning of multimodal transport processes – a lack of reliable information.

Perishable products require special conditions during storage and transport. This is mainly due to their low transport susceptibility, including handling and storage. Transport susceptibility of cargoes is conditioned by many physical and chemical features such as: acceptable range of air temperature and humidity, negative impact on other loads, sensitivity to impacts and shocks, and longevity of transport, absorption and secretion of odours, secretion of substance, as well as sensitivity to individual substances, ease of scattering and many more. A number of characteristics of perishable cargo important for their transport susceptibility have been identified and included in the criteria for selection of transport technology. In addition, four main groups of perishable cargoes was listed, for which a different set of criteria assessing their transport susceptibility should be considered. The proposed criteria for selection of transport technology due to the cargoes transport susceptibility are a guarantee of correct selection of transport technology. Transport susceptibility should be particularly taken into account when selecting transport technology, especially for perishable cargoes. In order to guarantee safety of these loads, if any of safety criteria is not met, such solution must be classified as inadmissible. Correct implementation of individual elements of transport susceptibility of cargoes in many cases may help to avoid damage of cargo during transport. On the other hand, a smaller percentage of spoiled loads during transport leads to increased efficiency of transports, safety of transported goods and health safety of potential consumers.

The article describes the results of research in the field of identifying the structure of databases on road infrastructure and railway infrastructure prepared for the EPLOS system (European Portal of Logistics Services). EPLOS is a tool that supports the planning of logistics processes and their implementation by providing in one place the current and verified data necessary for TSL market participants. This system is created as part of the EUREKA initiative. The following parts of the article describe: the role of databases in the application of logistics-dedicated applications and research results on identifying the needs of TSL market participants regarding EPLOS system databases with linear transport infrastructure, as well as the scope of road network data, the scope of railway network data and the integrated concept databases for the EPLOS system.