DOMESTIC CONTAINERIZATION: OVERVIEW OF TERMINAL DESIGN AND OPERATING ISSUES

Containerization of U.S. domestic intermodal shipments is receiving new interest as a result of lower line-haul costs that can be achieved with double-stack rail cars in large-volume trains. One of the key challenges in pursuing domestic containerization is the ability of the current system of trailer-based intermodal terminals to adapt to container-based systems. This paper provides an overview of terminal design and operating issues that trailer-on-flatcar (TOFC) terminal managers and designers will face with a transition to domestic containerization. The issues covered include management and control of chassis, terminal mechanization requirements, alternative highway and rail transfer methods, labor requirements, and requirements for container and chassis staging and parking. In each of these areas, terminal managers and designers will face a variety of trade-offs in selecting operating techniques to maximize the utilization of labor, equipment, and fixed facilities. For the most part, domestic containerization will not require radical redesign of major TOFC terminals or heavy investment. It will, however, result in increased terminal operating costs and a significant challenge for terminal managers to effectively coordinate and control the increased complexity of equipment.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/state-of-the-art/4/4-018.pdf
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08926891
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appeared in Transportation Research Board State-of-the-Art Report 4, Facing the Challenge, The Intermodal Terminal of the Future, Conference on Intermodal Freight Terminal Design, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 2-5, 1986. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Down, J W
  • WISE, D H
• Conference:
  • Facing the Challenge. The Intermodal Terminal of the Future
  • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Date: 1986-3-2 to 1986-3-5
• Publication Date: 1986

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 116-122
• Serial:
  • State-of-the-Art Report
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0892-6891

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Conferences; Container cars; Containerization; Design; Doublestack service; Equipment; Facilities; Freight terminals; Intermodal terminals; Labor; Management; Operating costs; Railroad cars by type
• Uncontrolled Terms: Double stack container cars; Equipment management
• Old TRIS Terms: Labor requirements
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Bridges and other structures; Design; Freight Transportation; Highways; Pavements; Planning and Forecasting; Terminals and Facilities; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00471964
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jul 31 1988 12:00AM