THE LAND BRIDGE AND ITS IMPACT ON UNITED STATES LAND TRANSPORTATION
The land-bridge concept is discussed in relationship to all modes of transportation. The land-bridge opportunity appears to be one of special relevance to rail carriers, but with little effect on highway carriers except for sporadic movements of several containers or for short-haul movements. However, there are opportunities for highway participation, especially in the early stages of the land-bridge operation. Studies conducted by the Santa Fe Railroad into all aspects of containerization are described. The studies delved into all aspects of containerization: tare weight, aerodynamic characteristics, center of gravity, transfer techniques, transportation costs, and capital costs. The impact of physical differences on railroad costs was measured and translated into the effect on shippers distribution cost. Computer programs enabled simulation of actual operating conditions on the railroad. Traffic flow data between the United States and all parts of the world are reviewed. Land-bridge offers the following things: ( 1 ) to the railroads, a new source of business, ( 2 ) to the shipper, the tangible benefits of containerization, plus a reliable and shorter transit time, ( 3 ) to the steamship operators, a realistic method to service another trade route with an existing system but without the inherent consequences of additional capital expenditures, ( 4 ) to railroad and maritime labor in this country, more jobs and handling traffic now moving in foreign bottoms, and ( 5 ) to the U. S. government, a favorable balance of payments impact.
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Supplemental Notes:
- Paper sponsored by Committee on Freight Transportation Economics and presented at the 48th Annual Meeting. 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.
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Authors:
- Grygiel, John A
- Publication Date: 1969
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; Tables;
- Pagination: p. 16-21
- Monograph Title: Use of containerization in freight transportation
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Serial:
- Highway Research Record
- Issue Number: 281
- Publisher: Highway Research Board
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Containers; Trade
- Old TRIS Terms: Container surveys; Trade development
- Subject Areas: Marine Transportation;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00001555
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS, TRB
- Created Date: Oct 30 1973 12:00AM