Polish road freight transport and process of internationalisation – selected effects for quality and competitiveness

Abstract

This article analyses conditions of functioning of Polish road transport carriers according to the internationalisation process and its potential effect on the quality of services and competitiveness. Conditions underlying the Polish road transport sector and its position in the EU transport market are discussed along with the factors that determine the quality of services and competitiveness of the carriers. The relationships between quality and competitiveness are also identified to establish the strength and direction of their impact. Considering the specificity of the Polish market of road freight transport (vast supply fragmentation) and growing competitiveness in international markets the objective of this paper is to answer the questions: whether internationalisation processes influence the quality of transport services, and to what extent; if internationalisation processes play a role in the improvement of transport services (competitiveness), and if there is a dependence between the quality of services and competitiveness of road carriers, including the aspect of internationalisation? The data was interpreted using descriptive statistics, an analysis of variance (ANOVA), as well as the determined correlation and determination coefficients. This study identified the significant role of internationalisation on the service quality and competitiveness of carriers. It also confirmed a positive correlation between them. Equally important was the fact that qualified and well-educated staff was the most important factor in improving quality and competitiveness.