The European Intermodal Research Advisory Council (EIRAC), composed of more than 50 key players from large intermodal businesses, was launched at a high-level round table meeting in the Brussels Hotel Metropole, on 3 May 2005. CEOs and Managing Directors with decision-making capability from all over Europe have created this advisory body to the European Commission. EIRAC has a balance of major stakeholders from all sectors of the intermodal industry: intermodal rail and road operators, terminal operators, logistic freight integrators, short sea shipping operators, ports, terminal handling, freight villages, and ICT equipment suppliers. A few selected academics have also been invited.