For the European freight transport sector to be able to improve its competitiveness whilst at the same time coping with increasing volumes and responding to the demands of society for sustainability, it will be necessary to better utilise available transport resources and infrastructure. A key determinant of efficiency in freight logistics is the capability to draw maximum benefit from information and communication technologies. In this, e -Freight denotes the vision of a paper-free, electronic flow of information associating the physical flow of goods with a paperless trail built by information and communication technologies. It includes the ability to track and trace freight along its journey across transport modes and to automate the exchange of cargo-related data for regulatory or commercial purposes.

To meet the above goals, cooperation is needed between the key transport stakeholders including users (shippers), transport integrators, carriers and terminal operators. Such co-operation relies on making information exchange more efficient. Further, the barrier for “connecting” to logistics networks relying on electronic exchange of information needs to be significantly lower than currently is the case.

The European Commission has for some time now funded research and co-ordination actions to investigate improved interoperability solutions in the transport sector. Current policy initiatives are strongly focused in this area.

Electronic information exchange in transport, is, however not just a European issue, but it is a global issue. Hence, the EU projects e-Freight, SKEMA, PROPS, SUPPORT, DiSCwise, CONTAIN, CASSANDRA and eMAR invite industry, research and academic communities to meet and discuss how best to establish a new paradigm for electronic information exchange in freight transport and logistics.

Within the topic of efficient, electronic information exchange, the scope of the conference is wide.

Detailed information can be found at e-Freight Conference.