Introduction
Freight transportation is a key supply chain component to ensure
the efficient movement and timely availability of raw materials
and finished products (Crainic, 2003). Demand for freight
transportation results from producers and consumers who are geographically
apart from each other. Following trade globalization,
the conventional road mode is no longer an all-time feasible solution,
necessitating other means of transportation (and their combinations).
In this regard, in 2010 about 45.8% of total freight
transportation in European union countries were transported via
road, 36.9% via sea, around 10.2% via rail, and 3.8% via inland