Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Savings Potential of Utilizing Multi-Modal Transport for Depositioning Cargo in the CONUS.

摘要

This paper analyzes the benefits of utilizing a multi-modal approach (utilizing trucks and/or rail) for cargo transport from West/East Coast bases to inland CONUS cargo destinations rather than flying cargo to its final destinations. The author proposes that adjusting current operations to a more multi-modal model will provide significant savings in operational, variable, fuel costs, flying hours, and mission hours. The author performed a case study approach focusing on C-17 and C-5 missions that operated from 1 Jul 2011 -30 Sep 2011 in determining the cost-savings opportunities utilizing a multi-modal approach. Using these missions, the author identified 'opportunities'for savings and calculated the operational, variable, and fuel costs of operating these missions. The author then calculated the cost of utilizing a multi-modal approach to move the cargo from a West/East Coast base vice flying it in aircraft to determine the overall savings. Based on the paper's findings, significant cost and operational savings for the US military can be realized by adjusting Air Mobility Command missions to allow for cargo to be disembarked at West/East Coast bases for ground transport via truck and/or rail to the cargo's ultimate destinations.