INTERMODAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM - PHASE II. STATE-OF-THE-ART SURVEY

Survey objectives were to determine the state of existing and planned systems which support any or all aspects of intermodal activity, and to identify unmet needs. A sample of eight railroads was surveyed. In addition, one common carrier, two trucking subsidiaries, and one international water carrier were included to further diversify the investigation of intermodal activities. Findings of the survey were verified by a search of pertinent literature and related research. All railroads, other than the smallest, presently have some type of automated systems supporting intermodal management and control. These vary widely in sophistication, in the degree to which mechanized processing is employed, and in the extent to which intermodal processing is embedded in existing rail systems. The use of data processing techniques for the intermodal carrier has been, in large part, an outgrowth of automated systems developed for carload traffic and does not take into consideration the unique nature of intermodal traffic (e.g., the need to keep an inventory of two pieces of equipment rather than one). Survey participants indicated that increased capabilities are needed in the following areas: an intermodal equipment control system; a repetitive waybilling and rating system; and a profit analysis system.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared in cooperation with Ford, Bacon and Davis, Inc., Washington, D.C. and Norfolk and Western Railway Co., Va.
• Corporate Authors:

  PRC Systems Sciences Company

  7600 Old Springhouse Road
  McLean, VA  United States  22101

  Ford, Bacon and Davis, Incorporated

  11629 K Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20006

  Norfolk and Western Railway

  8 North Jefferson Street
  Roanoke, VA  United States  24011

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Policy and Program Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Peternick, J
  • Fredrickson, V
  • Pflugrad, A
  • Rynders, B
  • Wiersema, R
• Publication Date: 1978-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 171 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefits; Car distribution (Railroads); Car utilization (Railroads); Common carriers; Control systems; Cost accounting; Information processing; Information systems; Intermodal transportation; Management information systems; Profitability; Railroad transportation; Railroads; Reviews; Trailer on flat car; Trailers; Transportation operations; Trucks; Water transportation; Waybills
• Uncontrolled Terms: Transportation management
• Old TRIS Terms: Intermodal information systems; Trailer utilization
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Finance; Marine Transportation; Motor Carriers; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00176256
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FRA/OPPD-78/8 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-741-5157
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 19 1978 12:00AM