This study sought to investigate the constructs that are desired by shippers in intermodal terminal services for bulk agricultural. This response may help to understand why a continental country, which mainly produces and moves products with low added value over long distances mainly by road transport. Approaching 40 shippers in Southern Brazil, using a multivariate technique Stated Preference, the constructs were ranked in the following order: reliability, time, customer relations, cost and flexibility. The results indicate that, comparatively, constructs associated with the quality of service are obtaining higher valuation instead of freight rate. This implies new trends for the transportation market, indicating increasing use of contracts and long-term relationships and reduction of hiring carters.
Intermodal; logistics agribusiness; service level
