FREIGHT TERMINALS OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

The research analysis has been directed toward (1) developing a realistic, quantitative description of the structure of the economic zones that are centered upon medium-size urban areas, (2) determining the nature of traffic in manufactured goods which are most susceptible to intermodal transportation, and (3) identifying trends in the surface freight transportation environment to 1990 and beyond. The range and dispersion of the statistical data which describe each of the 13 urban areas that have been examined (three are adjacent city-pairs with a coalesced economic vitality) disclose the lack of a pattern of surface freight transportation services among medium-size communities. All of the traffic in fabricated commodities can be efficiently moved in intermodal service. Both the motor carriers and the railroads evidence either an open mind or a firm commitment to mutually beneficial intermodal ventures. Intermodal freight service will become the shippers' preferred option when (1) intermodal trains are given precedence and scheduled service becomes dependable, (2) rail and motor carriers establish transregional intermodal corridors as cooperative mutually profitable ventures, (3) organized labor evaluates the potential benefits of intermodal operations to its members, and (4) the hub concept of strategically located profitable intermodal facilities has been implemented throughout the rail industry.

• Corporate Authors:

  Decision Group, Incorporated

  1340 Old Chain Bridge Road
  McLean, VA  United States  22101

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142
• Authors:
  • Morris, R E
  • Merrill, K S
• Publication Date: 1981-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 154 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: City pairs; Freight terminals; Freight transportation; Industries; Intermodal transportation; Labor unions; Metropolitan areas; Motor carriers; Railroad terminals; Railroads; Statistical analysis; Technology assessment; Transportation operations; Trend (Statistics); Trucks; Urban areas; Urban goods movement
• Uncontrolled Terms: Transportation management
• Old TRIS Terms: Cargo transportation
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Freight Transportation; Highways; Motor Carriers; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00343586
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-TSC-RSPA-81-1 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DTRS-57-80-C-0031
• Files: NTIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 28 1981 12:00AM