UNITRAIN OPERATING METHODS AND COSTS

As far as can be determined, this is the first authoritative treatise on unitrains and techniques for estimating their transport economics. At this point, some explanation would seem in order regarding the circumstances that have led a marine department to publish a paper on railroad economics. Interest in the subject is legitimate, and arises from a growing awareness that a merchant ship is but one link in the transport system. Before designing an optimum ship, it must be understood how to optimize the complete system. In short, marine, rail, highway and air transport analysts are things of the past. Today's needs are for origin-to-destination transport analysts who can deal in all modes. Three important aspects of unitrain operations are covered in this report. First the various types of railroad operations are defined to enable the reader to comprehend the significance of a unitrain operation. Second, a method of calculating unitrain costs is described. Finally various theories behind the pricing of unitrain operations are discussed.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  Department of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109
• Authors:
  • Sward, J D
• Publication Date: 1973-7

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 163 p.
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 145

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Bulk cargo handling; Costs; Freight traffic; Intermodal transportation; Operations; Rail marine interface; Rates; Train operations; Unit trains
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cost analysis; Freight rates
• Old TRIS Terms: Bulk handling; Intermodal operations; Unitrain operations
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Finance; Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00080032
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 16 1976 12:00AM