Switching long-distance freight from road transport is seen as important in improving traffic congestion, the environment and security of oil supply. However, the transfer to other modes requires attractive and cost-competitive new services to be provided, crossing the intermodal interfaces. In turn, this requires new types of operator and/or co-ordination between service providers along the transport chain. Various barriers and market imperfections will need to be overcome, in several cases through policy action at a European or national level.