Challenges And Opportunities For An ITS/Intermodal Freight Program

008089081999PDFTech ReportFHWA-OP-99-002Intermodal transportationFreight transportationField testsOperationsInformation technologyInformation systemsPublic participationPrivate enterpriseCommunication systemsManagement information systemsReal time informationTerminal capacityUnited StatesUnited States. Joint Program Office for Intelligent Transportation SystemsErickson, CathyGrenzeback, LanceSchrieber, JasonCambridge SystematicsUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationNTL-FREIGHT-FREIGHTNTL-FREIGHT-IntermodalismNTL-INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS-INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMSAGR-FREIGHT-Intermodal Freight TransportationAGR-INFRASTRUCTURE-Intelligent Transportation SystemsIntelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office;Federal Highway AdministrationThis final report was developed as part of the project, "ITS/Intermodal Freight Design for Operational Tests". The objective of the project was to develop a plan for conducting field operational tests to facilitate movement of intermodal freight in the United States. Information technology is transforming the intermodal freight industry by enabling it to integrate operations across the supply chain. Advanced communications and information systems and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) provide real-time information on intermodal freight operations and congestion on highways and rail lines. Enough of these systems are in operation today to be linked in a demonstration of information flow for end-to-end monitoring of the intermodal movement. Sharing information about congestion and operations across the intermodal freight system is key to addressing the problems of port and terminal capacity and the reliability of highway and rail access to the ports and terminals. This report describes how a national ITS program for intermodal freight can promote the application of ITS technology to intermodal freight transportation. It defines eight possible operational tests that could link public and private information and management systems, enabling terminal operators, freight carriers, and state and metropolitan traffic operations managers to share information to optimize flows and better utilize equipment and facilities. These tests would provide benefits to the intermodal industry, its clients, and the general public that shares the use of the transportation system. This report identifies three major steps in building a program that will serve industry, local, and national needs. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) should: 1) solicit and fund proposals for operational tests that will demonstrate the productivity and safety benefits of exchanging information and asset management systems and public sector traffic and safety management systems; 2) support ITS/Intermodal forums, studies, and programs to advance private and public sector opportunities for accelerated application of ITS technology to the intermodal freight system; and 3) support the evolution of data interchange standards where they benefit industry and government