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Repositioning
The discussion indicates that it is actually very difficult for a common carrier to
expand the business to new areas with the help of repositioning. One of the
possible trajectories, which is well-understood by common carriers (and other
operators), is the path for the role of an integrator. The role of an integrator
means that in IFT a carrier can be defined as a Multimodal Transport Operator
(MTO). This implies that both in operational sea and rail-based intermodal
freight, the transportation service as an activity performed by the common carrier
is still strongly based linehaul service of unitised goods complemented occasionally
by loading, discharging, and terminal operations. This is especially true
in liner shipping with the general cargo that consists of consignments of various
kinds: in IFT containerised cargo is a typical example. Though prominent, the
scope of these activities is limited to one part of the logistics in the entire supply
chain.
One of the major obstacles for repositioning are the structurally bonded relationships
in IFT causing inertia, which hampers or even eliminates the efforts for
new roles. For some of the researchers inertia actually means unwillingness to
change current organisational behaviour, and thus maintain the existing roles
(e.g. Ford et al. 1998). In addition, it is possible to define relative structural inertia
when internal, intraorganisational forces to resist the changes are described
(Ruef 1997). Easton (1992, 23) claims that strong (actor) bonds, which are quite
stable, mean inertia.
In repositioning procedure, the new potential role of the service integrator for a
common carrier is interesting, since it is assumed that this role is not truly performed
by any operator in the IM business (cf. Gröhn 1998). Conventionally, the
tasks and liabilities associated with this role are mostly connected to the freight
forwarders, often also called consolidators, or Non Vessel Operating Common
Carriers (NVOCCs). The practice of one-stop-shopping also refers to freight forwarders
in their attempt to expand the business opportunities. Though of great
interest, this particular role is not suitable for VR Cargo due to various reasons,
starting from the idea that there is no clear, visible, and public statement from
VR Cargo’s side to support this type of a situation. On the other hand, none of
the carriers and participants in domestic IM can be regarded integrators since
the use of the service provided by the freight forwarders’ is not needed in national
service. Often, however, freight forwarders consolidate the activities rather
than integrate them. Besides combioperators’ also globalised forwarders or
megacarriers can be classified as integrators. A railcarrier’s capability is limited
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