Time-bound Logistical Services as a Relevant Factor for Multimodality in Shipping

The baseline of this paper is the current market situation that in the present global situation with the full swing of transportation and new logistical concepts, demands new approaches to organization and management of the maritime business towards integration in the supply chains. The purpose of this paper (contribution) is to inform the reader on the concept of time-bound logistical services that appear as a relevant factor in multimodality of maritime operations, and to highlight the features of multimodality which is becoming a business reality, thanks to the underlying need to cover and control the business processes within the entire supply chain. The time and timely information have become a part of competitive logistics. A competitive service is the groundwork and incentive in introducing the multimodal concept into the maritime business. Conclusions of a research confirm the implication that the time, time-bound logistical services and the multimodal concept are closely interrelated and therefore a constant in the modern conduct of business. For that reason the concept of timebound logistical services is an issue in the sea transport that deserves further study, analysis and eventual introduction in the business practice of the Slovenian enterprises.