The Future of Intermodal Freight Transport

by Konings, Rob; Priemus, Hugo; Nijkamp, Peter

• ISBN13: 9781845422387
• ISBN10: 1845422384
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-07-08
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Pub

Summary

This book explores the great challenge of increasing the scope of intermodal freight transport. In view of the current dominant role of road transport and the increasing difficulties in coping with a growing number of vehicles in an efficient and sustainable way, intermodal freight transport could be considered a viable alternative. However, the book makes recognition of the fact that there is still a need to improve the performance of the intermodal transport system. The expert contributors provide an overview of the present role of intermodal freight transport, address opportunities to significantly improve current performance, and demonstrate design and modelling tools used to analyse and support this performance. Requirements for the implementation of intermodal innovations are also prescribed, and policies needed to improve competitiveness are outlined. Many factors contributing to the performance and competitiveness of intermodal freight transport are explored, from technological and organisational innovations through to institutional settings and policy frameworks. This comprehensive range of topics will attract a broad audience including academics, researchers, policymakers and practitioners involved in the design and development of freight transport systems. It will also strongly appeal to those with an interest in the future of freight transport.

Table of Contents

The future of intermodal freight transport: an overview	p. 1
Intermodal Transport Operations
Intermodal road-rail transport in the European Union	p. 13
Intermodal freight transport in the United States	p. 34
Intermodal freight transport in urban areas in Japan	p. 58
Bundling of freight flows and hinterland network developments	p. 66
Container terminal handling quality	p. 89
Design and Modelling
Container handling in mainports: a dilemma about future scales	p. 109
A technical approach to the Agile Port System	p. 135
The impacts of innovative technical concepts for load unit exchange on the design of intermodal freight bundling networks	p. 152
Designing intermodal transport systems: a conceptual and methodological framework	p. 187
Intermodal freight network modelling	p. 206
Implementation and Policy
Critical success factors: interconnectivity and interoperability	p. 225
Interorganizational coordination: the role of information technology	p. 252
Development strategies for intermodal transport in Europe	p. 271
The role of government in fostering intermodal transport innovations: perceived lessons and obstacles in the United States	p. 302
Index	p. 325
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