Modal Comparison of Domestic Freight Transportation Effects on the General Public. Executive Summary

摘要

This report examines many of the same aspects as the 1994 Maritime Administration report, Environmental Advantages of Inland Barge Transportation, but using more current data, and in some casesnew data sources. The following topics areas were covered in this research: Cargo capacity; Congestion; Emissions; Energy efficiency; Safety impacts; Infrastructure impacts. The analysis is predicated on the assumption that cargo will be diverted to rail or highway (truck) modes in the event of a major waterway closure. The analysis considered the possible impacts resulting from either a diversion of 100% of the current waterborne cargo to the highway mode OR a diversion of 100% of the current waterborne cargo to the rail mode. This report presents a snapshot in time in order to focus on several vital issues. The data utilized in this research are publicly available and can be independently verified and utilized to support various analyses.