Intermodal (road/rail) freight terminals - performance monitoring

In 1989/90 some 0.5 million individual containers were handled by rail systems in Australia. Each of the five rail systems manage and operate intermodal terminals. The National Rail Corporation (NRC), which is due to take over as the single entity marketing and operating interstate freight, has the potential to increase rail's market share of the interstate freight market, through improved customer service and reduced operating costs. As the interface point between road and rail, intermodal freight terminals (IFTs) are critical elements in the total freight distribution chain. A terminal should be seen as an integrated road/rail freight transfer facility which satisfies customers' needs with minimum capital and operating cost requirements. The role of the terminal is to ensure a smooth transfer between rail and road, with performance having a considerable impact on the overall profitability of both rail and road transport industries. This paper addresses the twin objectives of reducing freight transport costs and improving customer service by putting forward a number of indicators designed to measure the performance of IFTs. Each of the three major performance areas, namely: customer service, operational efficiency and terminal productivity are discussed. Performance measures are put forward covering all major activities, such as labour and equipment utilisation, train operations, level of customer service, and terminal management and control. It is argued that rail systems need to assess operating strategies using rigorous quantification of performance in all its facets. A policy shift towards such quantification will result in improved levels of efficiency and customer service.

• Authors:
  • Ferreira, L
  • Sigut, J
• Publication Date: 1992-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 27p + appendices
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 92-2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Economic efficiency; Economics; Freight transportation; Highway transportation; Intermodal transportation; Level of service; Marketing; Monitoring; Operating costs; Performance measurement; Railroad transportation; Transportation modes
• Uncontrolled Terms: Transport costs
• ATRI Terms: Economic efficiency; Freight transport; Intermodal transport; Marketing; Monitoring; Operating costs; Performance indicators; Rail transport; Road transport; Transport costs; Transport economics; Transport facilities; Transport mode; Transport performance
• Subject Areas: Economics; Freight Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01432701
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 24 2012 5:10PM