CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUSTAINABLE INLAND FREIGHT HUBS

摘要

This research develops a strategic decision model to evaluate the present state of a region's ability to serve as an inland freight hub and establish objectives that will develop and solidify its sustainability within the freight network. A review of the relevant literature highlights the need for a more efficient freight distribution system to combat supply chain deficiencies and the important role that inland freight hubs play in creating this system. Also in the literature is a call for a more comprehensive approach to hub development decisions. This paper will determine the relevant qualitative and quantitative criteria of hub development and evaluate the regions of Kansas City, MO, St. Louis, MO, Louisville, KY, and Memphis, TN using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).