Intermodal Optimization for Economically Viable Integration of Surface and Waterborne Freight Transport

016279252016PDFTech ReportUM-CAIT/2016-02NCITEC Project 2013-32DTRT12-G-UTC14Best practicesCase studiesCompetitionHighway transportationIntermodal terminalsLocationOptimizationRailroad transportationRoutingWater transportationIntermodal transportationFreight corridorsFreight demand modelingGlobal marketsUnited StatesMississippiMississippi State University. National Center for Intermodal Transportation for Economic CompetitivenessUddin, WaheedSherry, PatrickEksioglu, BurakUniversity of Mississippi. Center for Advanced Infrastructure TechnologyNational Center for Intermodal Transportation for Economic CompetitivenessUnited States. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Innovative Technology AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionU.S. economy is reenergizing its domestic manufacturing infrastructure besides sustainable growth in agriculture commodities and other products destined for export. The efficient delivery of goods and services is a key factor in economically competitive markets and quality of life in the US and around the globe. The development of larger cargo ships and expansion of Panama Canal are other factors impacting the ability of major U.S. ports to serve these new container ships. The primary objectives of this project are to: (1) identify major freight transportation corridors involving shipping ports (marine and inland waterways), highway network, and rail infrastructure assets, (2) model transport demand, visualize routing scenarios, and optimize locations of integrated intermodal terminals, and (3) evaluate the economic competitiveness considering travel time efficiency, safety, disaster resiliency, emissions, and economic development opportunities. Global supply chain and inventory management system stakeholders, such as Walmart, and freight logistics companies depend on a smooth, seamless flow of freight through interconnecting shipping ports, airports, rails, and highways. These modes operate independently in the United States with lack of adequate operational integration, except some limited to rail and road intermodal transport terminals. Key results of the project include: x This project developed geospatial maps, optimization models, benefit/cost results of proposed modal integration simulation studies, and life cycle economic model results of economic and environmental impacts. x Intermodal integration study showed by diverting 30% of freight trucks from the port of Gulfport to the integrated Mississippi River and I-55 corridor, lower operating cost was calculated. Comparing the base case scenario where 100% of the commodity was transported by trucks compared to intermodal integration scenario with 30% of the freight moved by barge, 18.0% saving in cost per ton-mile was calculated. Additionally, the travel time is reduced by 19.0%, which resulted in lower fuel costs and 11.7% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. x Computer simulations of selected port(s) and sustainability analysis are used to show the importance of the intermodal integration approach for enhancing the economic competitiveness, safety, security and disaster resilience of freight transport. x The intermodal freight corridor case studies are used to develop a \u201cbest practice guide\u201d for consideration by government transportation agencies, private transport operators, and other global supply chain stakeholders. It is recommended that the developed approach of freight corridor studies be applied by transportation agencies to assess other societal benefits, which include reduction in traffic congestion and decrease in transportation related emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants.75