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

Survey objectives were: (1) to determine the state of existing and planned systems which support any or all aspects of intermodal activity; and (2) to identify unmet needs. A sample of eight railroads was surveyed in detail. 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, a profit analysis system.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared in cooperation with G. Sargent and S. Kendrick of Ford, Bacon & Davis, Inc., and R. Short, R. Holland and J. Robertson of the Norfolk and Western Railway for U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Policy and Program Development.
• Corporate Authors:

  PRC Systems Sciences Company

  7600 Old Springhouse Road
  McLean, VA  United States  22101
• Authors:
  • Peternick, J
  • Fredrickson, V
  • Pflugrad, A
  • Rynders, B
  • Wiersema, R
• Publication Date: 1978-3

Media Info

• Features: Appendices;
• Pagination: 171 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Billing; Containers; Costs; Information processing; Information systems; Intermodal transportation; Inventory control; Management information systems; Minicomputers; Piggyback transportation; Profitability; Trailers; Waybills; Yard operations
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cost analysis
• Old TRIS Terms: Container inventory control; Intermodal information systems; Profitability measurement; Trailer utilization; Yard and terminal information systems
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Finance; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00179111
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Railroad Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FRA/OPPD-78/8
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-741-5157
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 29 1978 12:00AM