# modal shift

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Modal shift means moving freight from road transport to rail, inland waterways, or a combination of non-road modes—driven by cost savings, emissions targets, or the need to relieve congested road corridors.

Modal shift means moving freight from road transport to rail, inland waterways, or a combination of non-road modes—driven by cost savings, emissions targets, or the need to relieve congested road corridors. For shippers and forwarders, the decision goes beyond comparing freight rates: service frequency, transit time reliability, terminal access, and minimum load requirements all weigh in alongside the carbon footprint. Rail and inland waterway typically offer lower variable costs per tonne-kilometre, but demand longer planning lead times and suitable infrastructure at origin and destination. Rolling motorway services and combined transport solutions limit road haulage to first- and last-mile segments, making the shift viable for a broader cargo base. EU transport policy supports modal shift through differentiated road pricing, co-funding programmes, and infrastructure investment in rail and waterway corridors.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modal_shift](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modal_shift)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | modal shift |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 128 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modal_shift |

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