THE INTERMODAL TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS

The choice of the topic for this thesis does not stem from a random personal interest or a passion developed over time, but rather from a natural consequence of my professional journey. As a Logistics Officer (Ufficiale dell’Arma dei Trasporti e Materiali) in the Italian Army, I found myself almost "compelled" (in the truest and most conscious sense of the word) to focus my attention on one of the most essential pillars of the military domain: logistics. Logistics is not merely a support function for operations; it is their indispensable foundation. It is commonly defined as the “science of planning and executing the movement and sustainment of forces,” yet this definition, though accurate, falls short of capturing the full complexity and vital importance it holds in every operational activity, whether in times of peace or in wartime scenarios. In the military world, no strategy, no matter how brilliant, can be successfully implemented without the backing of an efficient, flexible, and timely logistical apparatus. Providing support at the right time, in the correct quantity, to the appropriate place, and in accordance with strict standards means enabling forces to operate, endure, and ultimately achieve their intended objectives. Starting from this premise, I chose to delve into a specific area of modern logistics: “the intermodal transport of dangerous goods.” This is a particularly sensitive field, combining the need for safety, efficiency, and compliance with international regulations. In an increasingly complex and interconnected environment of resource mobility, intermodal transport emerges as a strategic solution, capable of optimizing time, cost, and risk, especially when dealing with sensitive or potentially hazardous materials. This thesis, therefore, arises from the intersection of professional duty, technical interest, and strategic awareness: an opportunity to highlight a dimension of military operations that is often overlooked but fundamentally decisive, at a time when logistics is no longer just a matter of the rear guard, but a crucial lever of operational success. My contribution has been primarily to present and organize the existing body of knowledge on the subject. In other words, I sought to collect, structure, and clarify the key concepts rather than propose something entirely new. The main objectives of this work are to examine the features and specificities of each mode of transport together with the relevant regulatory frameworks, and to highlight the risks and challenges associated with the movement of dangerous goods. The study then explores the strengths and weaknesses of intermodal transport, supported by an approximate numerical analysis aimed at outlining its advantages and disadvantages from both an operational and an economic perspective. Finally, attention is given to future perspectives, with the goal of identifying possible developments and trends in a sector that is expected to become increasingly central within modern logistics dynamics.