REDUCING TRANSPORTATION AND SHIPPING COSTS BY UTILIZINGREUSABLE CONTAINERS AND RAIL CONVEYANCE

摘要

Many variables factor into the equation regarding site decommissioning processes thatrnthe Department of Energy (DOE) Complexes have dissected in the attempt to reducerncosts. Cost reduction and cost management are the major conditions for siterndecommissioning to become more feasible in the future. In order for costs to be reducedrnwithout sacrificing quality or safety, business must shift to a new generation ofrnrationalization in all aspects of the process.rnOne particular DOE complex, The West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP), hasrnalways been on the cutting edge of implementing new technologies and systems thatrnreduce costs and accelerate the clean-up schedule of the complex. The latest initiativernhas been reducing transportation and shipping costs by utilizing reusable containers andrnrail conveyance.rnThrough the support of MHF Logistical Solutions, Inc. using specially modified cargorncontainers and unique railcars, The WVDP has been able to reduce: shipping costs,rncontainer handling problems, and As Low As Reasonable Achievable (ALARA)rnexposure to workers. A “turnkey” transportation logistical process has been developed forrnThe WVDP to move large quantities of packaged, low-level waste (LLW) via rail andrntruck transport. Rail transportation offers material movement of a larger dimension andrnquantity as opposed to traditional methods. The concept is to move material inrnspecialized equipment utilizing truck and rail transport verses small packages transportedrnonly by trucks.