INTERNATIONAL RAIL FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION IN SOUTH TEXAS: DECREASING FUEL CONSUMPTION, ROADWAY DAMAGE, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MOVEMENT ON TEXAS ROADWAYS

The objectives of this research were to examine impediments to the greater use of rail in freight transportation, and to document projected reduction in congestion, roadway damage, hazards, and energy usage resulting from such a modal shift. In pursuing these objectives, an examination was made of the roles that are performed by decision-making agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. The findings of this examination are discussed in terms of how these roles interfere with the adoption of increased use of intermodal transportation. Additionally, the logistics associated with cross-border freight transportation are described, documenting the institutional and governmental inefficiencies hindering smooth flow of trade across the border. The balance of the research concerns itself with the potential of rail transportation to mitigate the negative impacts associated with truck transportation.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This research was supported by a grant from the Office of the Governor of the State of Texas, Energy Office.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011

  Southwest Region University Transportation Center

  Texas A&M University
  3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
• Authors:
  • Roop, S S
  • Dickinson, R W
• Publication Date: 1995-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 87 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Commodities; Decision making; Defects; Freight traffic; Fuel consumption; Hazards; Intermodal transportation; International borders; Pavements; Railroad grade crossings; Railroad transportation; Traffic congestion; Traffic flow; Traffic mitigation; Trucks
• Uncontrolled Terms: Pavement damage
• Subject Areas: Energy; Freight Transportation; Highways; Motor Carriers; Pavements; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads; Security and Emergencies; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00711590
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SWUTC/95/465040-1
• Contract Numbers: 0079
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 25 1995 12:00AM