COFC VS. TOFC: A COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGIES

This paper uses an equilibrium analysis to compare TOFC and COFC technologies, when used in a "shuttle train" service. The intermodal "shuttle train" service uses run-through trains of dedicated equipment to improve service to transportation consumers and perhaps lower costs to the carriers. The equilibrium approach applies both demand models and cost models to a service in order to determine the effect of alternative pricing and service policies on carrier profitability, as well as overall profitability of the service. Demand estimates and TOFC shuttle train cost estimates are taken from another study by the authors. Cost models from that study are modified and used to generate cost estimates for three types of COFC technology--one using all-purpose TOFC/COFC flatcars at a 40 mph average speed, and one using the lightweight COFC flatcars at a 50 mph average speed. Fuel consumption models are also developed for each of the technologies studied. The results suggest that the adoption of the lightweight COFC shuttle train technology could bring moderate reductions in operating costs, and substantial improvements in profitability and fuel consumption.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared for the Federal Railroad Administration under an extension of FEA Project 50154 for the Federal Energy Administration, Office of Transportation Policy Research.
• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Center for Transportation Studies, Room 1121
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • SAMUELSON, R D
  • Roberts, P O
• Publication Date: 1977-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 84 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Container on flat car; Costs; Forecasting; Freight traffic; Fuel consumption; Intermodal services; Light vehicles; Piggyback transportation; Quality of service; Run through trains; Shuttle service; Traffic forecasting; Trailer on flat car
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cost analysis
• Subject Areas: Energy; Finance; Freight Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00174359
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Report/Paper Numbers: CTS-77-10
• Contract Numbers: CO-04-50154-00
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 18 1978 12:00AM