Implemented in road transport enterprises (RTEs) on a large scale, telematics systems are dedicated both to the particular aspects of their operation and to the integrated fields of the total operational functioning of such entities. Hence, a research problem can be defined as the identification of their efficiency levels in the context of operational activities undertaken by RTEs (including more holistic effects, e.g., lowering fuel/energy consumption and negative environmental impacts). Current research studies refer to the efficiency of some particular modules, but there have not been any publications focused on describing the efficiency of telematics systems in a more integrated (holistic) way, due to the lack of a universal tool that could be applied to provide this type of measurement. In this paper, an attempt at filling the identified cognitive gap is presented through empirical research analysing the original matrix developed by the authors that refers to the efficiency rates of organisational activities undertaken by RTEs. The purpose of this paper is to present a tool that has been designed to provide a holistic evaluation of efficiency of telematics systems in RTE operational management. The results are presented in a form of an individual (ontogenetic) matrix of the analysed companies, for which a determinant was calculated with the use of Sarrus’ rule. Obtained in such a way, the set of values identified for the determinants of the subsequent ontogenetic matrices came as an arithmetic progression that characterised the scope and the level of the influence exerted by the implemented IT (information technology) systems on the organisational efficiency of operational activities undertaken by the analysed RTEs. We present a hypothesis stating that the originally developed matrix can be viewed as a reliable tool used for comparative analysis in the field of efficiency of telematics systems in RTEs, and this hypothesis was positively verified during the research. The obtained results prove the significant potential for the wide application of the discussed matrix, which can be used as a universal tool for the analysis and comparison of efficiency indicated by the integrated IT systems in the operational activities undertaken by RTEs.

Machine learning (ML) is applied in various logistic processes utilizing innovative techniques (e.g., the use of drones for automated delivery in e-commerce). Early challenges showed the insufficient drones’ steering capacity and cognitive gap related to the lack of theoretical foundation for controlling algorithms. The aim of this paper is to present a game-based algorithm of controlling behaviours in the relation between an operator (OP) and a technical object (TO), based on the assumption that the game is logistics-oriented and the algorithm is to support ML applied in e-commerce optimization management. Algebraic methods, including matrices, Lagrange functions, systems of differential equations, and set-theoretic notation, have been used as the main tools. The outcome is a model of a game-based optimization process in a two-element logistics system and an algorithm applied to find optimal steering strategies. The algorithm has been initially verified with the use of simulation based on a Bayesian network (BN) and a structured set of possible strategies (OP/TO) calculated with the use of QGeNie Modeller, finally prepared for Python. It has been proved the algorithm at this stage has no deadlocks and unforeseen loops and is ready to be challenged with the original big set of learning data from a drone-operating company (as the next stage of the planned research).

The third chapter presents a systemic approach toward containerization, understood as a part of a bigger entirety, namely the containerized transport system (CTS). The operation of the CTS is based on intermodal connections in containerized cargo transport. Hence, it is necessary to present typical modal solutions, complementary concepts (e.g., combined transport) and basic integration assumptions that underlie the implementation of inter- and multimodal solutions. Integration processes could not be developed without any legislative support and the successive implementation of (legal, conventional) regulations referring to all the aspects of the functioning of CTS and other fields related to container turnover. Such regulations include, among others, International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) and legal regulations on the transport of containerized hazardous cargo (the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).

The first chapter introduces the readers to the problems of containerization by presenting the origins of containerization processes in international trade (forming a bridge between the past and the present). This allows the authors to present a chronology indicating the appearance of pre-container cargo vessels in transport and the place and time when containers (as we know them today) appeared. In order to understand the impact of containerization on modern transport, the implications resulting from the common use of containers in the global economy are discussed. Subsequently, this becomes a reason for discussing the scope of the impact exerted by accelerators and systemic/technical/economic barriers that determine the development of containerization in the world (with particular consideration of maritime transport). The chapter also presents an attempt at providing their systemization and hierarchization.

In the context of optimization processes that have been taking place in maritime transport of containerized cargo, the managerial aspect is also highly significant, and it is discussed in the eleventh chapter. The chapter provides identification of implemented information and IT (telematics) solutions in the containerization processes in maritime transport. Furthermore, the essence of tasks performed by telematics systems in the management of containerization processes is indicated, and monitoring systems of container loading units in maritime transport (of the ECTS class—Electronic Container Tracking Service) are discussed along with the loading systems applied in maritime transport of containerized cargo (of the vessel planning class). The chapter also presents terminal systems dedicated to maritime transport of containerized cargo (of the TOS class—Terminal Operation System) and access systems dedicated to cargo consigners and consignees, which allow them to access terminal operation systems and which actually reach the key point of process pragmatics (an access system for forwarders, a notification system, OCR). It concludes the considerations of Part 3 dedicated to managerial and operational challenges to maritime containerized transport, with emphasis on entire spectrum of aspects related to optimization through implementation of best managerial processes and IT (telematics) solutions/tools.

There are only two main factors in the holistic analysis of elements pertaining to modern transport in its holistic understanding that affect the potential of international (and more and more global) trade: containerization (which provides optimization of handling processes in terms of intermodality and efficient cargo handling) and maritime transport (which provides optimization of shipping processes in terms of volume and distance).