Studies in Intermodal Freight Transport Service Planning. Volume 1

摘要

The report presents the results of research directed toward improving the servicequality and decreasing the cost of intermodal rail-truck service. Intermodal rail-truck service has long been viewed as having great potential, combining the line-haul termed drayage--and service quality problems at the rail-truck interface. The research examined the replacement of current drayage operations by a unified terminal-area wide operation which optimizes both trailer and tractor movements in a manner consistent with shippers (and consignees) service constraints. Using data for an actual major terminal area it was found that drayage costs could be reduced substantially by at least 30% while improving service quality. However, implementation will require major changes in the relationship among railroads, intermodal retailers, and truckers (draymen).