Modelling Performances of Intermodal Freight Transport Networks

Abstract

This paper deals with analysis and modeling of time and cost performances of freight transportation (bundling) networks emerging in the European freight transportation system. Several types of network configurations are analyzed: point-to-point, trunk line collecting/distribution, and hub-and-spoke networks. For each network configuration, the analytical models for quantifying the total delay and generalized cost of load units while in the network are developed and their qualitative outcomes discussed. Findings show that buffering of load units, and related delays and extra associated costs, are inherent characteristics of these networks. However, larger batches of load units moved at speed would require a smaller number of larger transport units and their higher utilization, as well as consumption of less labor at the transportation side of the logistic chain. This would increase the efficiency of transport operations in the network and thus reduce the total and unit cost of the network operations.

Cite this work

No public copy is stored for this record, so only the metadata is cited.

Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 6 citations exist upstream.