The GLAD Project is a common learning action that consists on training courses with the objective of improving the logistics operators and logistics students understanding of intermodal freight transport and increasing the demand for intermodal transport. The objective of the new project of the Escola Europea de Short Sea Shipping is to provide the information and tools required to promote the European notion of comodality for those who take decisions about and manage logistics chains or for those that will do so in the future (operators, shippers and students from countries, universities and training centres within the European Union).

Our evolution towards a knowledge-based society which establishes open systems, and the environmental impact generated by our actions, mean that freight transport logistics must face up to new challenges and adapt the way we operate to a new reality: the generation of greater economic value will be dictated by the capacity of individuals and companies to share, commit and cooperate. An evolution towards a new paradigm based on emotion and a decision-making approach founded on ethics and environmental becomes necessary.

The European Commission defines comodality as the way to improve the performance of each transport mode (and/or his combination with other transport mode) in terms of its safety, environmental performance and energy efficiency. It’s the way to find the right balance between competitiveness and environmental demands

We need to improve logistics operation by:

Breaking the tremendous inertia regarding logistics in its operational aspects

Promoting the change in modes of transport

Explaining the new technologies available for "door to door" operations

Giving resources to compete and deal with uncertainty

Explaining the repercussions on the environment of the changes

Transport, together with other sectors demanding logistics services, must bring an environmental perspective to bear on its decision-making, taking into consideration the impact which its activities generate. Those responsible for the sector must make a contribution towards managing demand, and promoting the use of more person-friendly and environmentally-friendly methods. Managers within the sector must be familiar with the environmental policy of the European Commission, the European Environment Agency, progress made in vehicle efficiency, developments in new fuels, transport subsidies and the external costs they generate, and any aspects which will help them to take properly informed and well-founded decisions.