Abstract

Abstract A conceptual framework is provided for examining international intermodal transport at the end of the period of high-economic growth in the early 1980s. The structure of freight forwarding at this time is detailed with case studies of Nippon Express Co. Ltd and Nissin Corporation. Then the original conceptual framework is revised to accommodate changes occurring in the international multimodal transport of general cargo during the present low growth era. This leads to a discussion of the emerging forms of integrated organisation which threaten to subsume the freight forwarder. Thses are exemplified by reference to Yamato Transport Co. Ltd and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK). The conclusion identifies the problems of creating an integrated system industry and proposes a likely final structure of international multimodal transport.