Abstract

Large technical systems are difficult to change. This paper explores whether gateway technologies may enhance system flexibility. It analyses the gateway characteristics of the freight container in the system of cargo transportation between 1965 and 1995. A conceptual framework for standardised gateways is developed that focuses on compatibility within and between the political, operational and technical domains ('POT domains'). The International Standardisation Organization (ISO) Series 1 container standard caused a revolution in international intermodal transportation during the 1970s. But the standard had a modal and a geographical bias. Competitive standardised gateways developed in parallel (e.g. pallet and swap body). Efforts to align the dimensional characteristics of these gateways failed. The ISO container had become - foremost politically - entrenched. The study concludes that both the impact of the ISO container and the development of competing modes of transportation indicate that standardised gateways can enhance system flexibility.

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