Blockchain Applications in Freight ITS

Abstract

This chapter examines how blockchain can act as a trust and provenance layer within freight-oriented Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). It outlines the core features of distributed ledgers and smart contracts, and shows how they enable secure data exchange, end-to-end traceability, automated payments, and verifiable digital identity for vehicles, containers, and shipments. The chapter maps integration with Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and policy tools so that verified events from the field inform planning, operations, and compliance. Two case studies, involving TradeLens activity at Indian ports and a pharmaceutical cold chain pilot in Germany, illustrate gains in clearance times, auditability, and service reliability, alongside limits created by governance and interoperability. Adoption challenges are assessed across scale, regulation, and organizational readiness. Future pathways couple blockchain with artificial intelligence (AI), automated compliance, and decentralized freight marketplaces. Overall, the chapter positions blockchain as enabling infrastructure for transparent, resilient, and sustainable freight systems.