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This thesis shows how uncertainties in future global trade flows due to changes in trade agreements, transport technologies or sustainability policies affect the patterns of global freight transport and also affects the demand for major freight transport infrastructures such as ports and hinterland networks. Policy makers face the challenge of making robust policies and investments that sustain and promote economic development amidst the various uncertainties. This thesis proposes a set of empirically grounded quantitative models of global freight transport that can support strategic decision making about investments in freight transport infrastructures. The thesis estimates and validates these models for both maritime and hinterland transport, and also applies them in comprehensive analyses of the European Union's (EU’s) and the global container transport networks.