The environmental and social costs of the intermodal transport of semi-trailers by rail

The dynamic development of transport recorded in recent decades is an important factor in the economic development of the world on the one hand, and on the other hand, it is a significant source of nuisance and environmental problems. The adverse impact of transport can be felt both in the natural environment and in society, where the dynamic development of this sector has enabled significant civilization development, with the effects varying depending on the level of economic development, the degree of advancement and use of the various transport sectors, geographical location (including climate), and also the sensitivity of the elements of the environment. Considering contemporary transport hazards, it is important to prevent them from occurring, and when that is not possible – limiting their impact on the environment and reducing the scale and extent of negative impacts. In the article, the environmental and social nuisance of transport of goods loaded in semitrailers was analysed. The transport of semitrailers using intermodal wagons pulled by the diesel locomotive in accordance with the assumptions adopted in the railway with the maximum length of train composition was taken into account.