Freight Finds Its Niche

After decades of decline, the freight rail sector is beginning to reemerge as a powerful player in intermodal transportation of goods. This growth is reflected in the development of giant intermodal-distribution logistics centers that are springing up in various areas of the country. These centers are designed to handle goods brought by rail from coastal ports, and then to transfer them by truck to onsite warehouses. The combination of intermodal transportation and warehouse distribution can save retailers and manufacturers millions of dollars. The centers share several features: at least 500 acres of flat land, on-site warehouses, spurs for loading and unloading, high shipping volumes and highway access. The centers also serve as official designated foreign trade zones and offer on-site U.S. Customs clearance services. The development of these centers require overcoming many hurdles, including assembling the lands, building roads, arranging partnerships and overcoming community opposition. However, many metropolitan area governments find them worth pursuing due to the thousands of jobs they create. The “freight village” in Elwood, Illinois, is highlighted as an example of how these centers can reinvigorate both the railroad industry and the community they serve.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1762461
• Authors:
  • Spivak, Jeffrey
• Publication Date: 2010-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 28-32
• Serial:
  • Planning
  • Volume: 76
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: American Planning Association
  • ISSN: 0001-2610
  • Serial URL: http://www.planning.org

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Freight handling; Freight terminals; Freight transportation; Intermodal facilities; Intermodal services; Intermodal transportation; International trade; Logistics; Physical distribution; Railroad transportation; Warehouses
• Geographic Terms: Elwood (Illinois)
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01163931
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 27 2010 7:30AM