Intermodal terminals Unit 1: Defining the Freight System

Terminology Intermodal transportation – More than one mode (use best suited mode for each portion of a trip) – Efficiently connected and coordinated Intermodal transfer requires logistical management Multimodal transportation – Similar to intermodal transportation, but often less coordination between modes

Forces of Change Globalization of commercial activities – Relationship to the container – Affects price New and emerging technologies – Affects cost Deregulation – Affects service Push versus Pull supply chains

Interchange points The transition from one mode to another Transfers between modes increase flexibility of the system but also increase costs and delays Time scale for infrastructure investment is longer Time scale for logistical and operational changes/planning is shorter – Technology – Market demand

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Container Advantages Standardized method of transportation of goods worldwide Reduced handling costs and time Containers serve as their own… containers Improve tracking and security (for shipper, but see disadvantage also Disadvantages It must be returned Require a lot of space at terminals Complex to track and stack Are anonymous and have security concerns (could be used to move illicit goods) Are often moved empty because of trade patterns Physically limits cargo size

Structure of an intermodal terminal Terminal – end of one mode, beginning of another Is terminal accessed by foreign vehicle? – Security is a significant concern – Does the foreign vehicle understand operating rules? What is the role of the terminal? – Storage – What is the relative and regional cost structure?

Size and access Access points – Relative cost of providing access – Local constraints – Types of vehicle flow Access points to terminal size – Purpose and operating style of the terminal

Terminal Access – one entry, one exit Impacts flow

Another access option – multiple ins and outs Terminal

Terminal shape Modal geometry and vehicle maneuverability Relative vehicle size Method of product movement – Conveyor belts – Vehicle type Storage requirements – Bulk metals – Natural gas

Performance measurement Do look at: Throughput or velocity – Total TEUs – TEUs per time – TEUs per acre Sometimes look at: terminal or turn time Should look at: Productivity – TEUs per labor hour – TEUs per kg CO 2 – Gate wait time

Key strategies Separate traffic to avoid conflicts Create certainty – Uncertainty is the enemy of logistics Identify fixed locations for activities – Minimize travel within terminal Consider the terminal as a system – Moving a bottleneck downstream does not improve total delay