Through the eye of an economist Thalmann explores 200 years of the dynamics of freight transport development in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. With a strong underlying theme concerned with the impact of government intervention on the efficiency of the freight transport system, Thalmann is able to provide an insight into the differences and similarities of the two countries who are currently the pioneers of this industry and thus make interesting case studies for the rest of Europe. This book provides quality data in graphical form which is accessible to all.

Contrary to other work, Thalmann does not focus on road or rail transportation alone but on the whole range of transport modes. At the same time the research remains manageable with its focus on freight transportation while most comparable books deal solely with people transportation. The Dynamics of Freight Transport Development should be an invaluable tool for researchers in the field of transportation and also for the more general reader interested in the past and future of transportation.

Contents: Introduction. Part I: Great Britain: The history of British transport, with emphasis on freight; British freight transport: graphical analysis and trends; British pollution emissions and transport history. Part II: Switzerland: The history of Swiss transport, with emphasis on freight; Swiss freight transport: graphical analysis and trends; Swiss pollution emissions and transport history. Part III: Comparison and Conclusions: Comparison Switzerland - Great Britain; General conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

About the Author: Philippe Thalmann is Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology at Lausanne, Switzerland.

Reviews: 'Thalmann's book is extraordinary in at least three respects: it deals with freight transport and the economy and not passengers, it studies the issue from a truly historical perspective rather than focusing on the last twenty years, and it compares two very distinct countries rather than twelve or fifteen. This seems reason enough to read this thought provoking book and follow the author in his analysis…'
Professor Rico Maggi, University of Lugano, Switzerland

'This book provides a fascinating insight into how government policy has evolved towards freight transport in the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Using a wealth of statistical information it identifies the forces driving government intervention in the industry and their impact on the role that railways play in the movement of freight. The comparative analysis and evaluation of developments in the two countries spanning more than a hundred years provides a basis for judging the efficacy of different policies towards freight transport in the 21st century.'
Dr Ian Black, Cranfield School of Management, UK

'…the book offers some interesting insights into different systems of freight transport and their socio-historical background.' Journal of Transport Geography