The lack of adequate and modern transport infrastructures makes the cost of transport in Africa higher than the rest of the world. Most of the transport infrastructures that exist were constructed during the colonial ...The lack of adequate and modern transport infrastructures makes the cost of transport in Africa higher than the rest of the world. Most of the transport infrastructures that exist were constructed during the colonial era which makes inter-regional connectivity difficult. The African Union in collaboration with other organization has committed to bridge the transport gap in Africa but still, face some challenges. This paper discusses the main issues that contribute for the weak nature of transportation in Sub-Saharan Africa with regards to the main transport modes and seeks to establish the possibility of sustainable intermodal transport through the integration of the different transport modes. Some policy reforms and other bilateral agreements such as deregulating the transport markets in West and Central Africa have been suggested to facilitate the development of an effective and efficient transport network in the Sub-Saharan African region.展开更多
This paper develops a model for analyzing the potential of longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) related to pre- and post-haulage in the intermodal rail-road transport chain (IRT). The paper considers the combined econom...This paper develops a model for analyzing the potential of longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) related to pre- and post-haulage in the intermodal rail-road transport chain (IRT). The paper considers the combined economic and emission costs among three different transport networks including intermodal rail-road transport with current Swedish regulatory framework for trucks, intermodal rail-road transport with LHVs, and direct-road transport. The objective is to analyse the potential of high-capacity transport associated with pre- and post-haulage for enhancing the competitiveness of intermodal transport from a full-costs perspective. The model developed is applied to a Swedish context and case study. Research findings reveal that the break-even of the IRT compared to the direct road transport could be significantly lowered, which suggests the LHVs contribute to exploring the market of IRT over smaller flows.展开更多
The objective of this paper is to create a process view of the development of intermodal transport solution from the basic idea to implementation. Special case of dedicated solutions based on large shippers’ volumes ...The objective of this paper is to create a process view of the development of intermodal transport solution from the basic idea to implementation. Special case of dedicated solutions based on large shippers’ volumes is chosen, where the shippers engage in the development process of the new solutions. Research is conducted using a qualitative approach: multiple case studies. Empirical data has been obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews with relevant respondents involved in the development projects. Shippers’ perspective on the development process is studied. Development process can be described through a generic four-stage process: Initiation, Planning, Implementation, and Further Development. Different actors and different resources are required at the different stages. The complex process of establishing new intermodal solutions has lacked attention in the intermodal research. Understanding and improving the development process of new intermodal solutions is considered to have an important effect on the viability of intermodal transport and can help to understand the barriers that prevent companies from switching to intermodal. Development process of new dedicated intermodal solutions is a gradual process of building up the transport solution in a continuous interaction between shippers and transport service providers. Research has focused on the shipper perspective on inter-modal transport, showing that switching to an intermodal transport is not simply a mode choice issue, but involves a transition process that takes time, demands resources, cooperation/coordination between multiple parties, may require changes in the supply chain beyond the transport link, involves multiple actors, and involves an industry that is itself in a process of change.展开更多
Since rail-road transport uses road and rail networks and requires the transshipment infrastructures at the terminals, its competitiveness depends not only on the costs but also on the location of these terminals. Thi...Since rail-road transport uses road and rail networks and requires the transshipment infrastructures at the terminals, its competitiveness depends not only on the costs but also on the location of these terminals. This paper focused on providing a methodology for determining the optimal locations for intermodal freight transportation terminals in consolidation network. The goal is to minimize total costs in order to increase the efficiency of the transportation system. This paper also has allowed us to have an overview of the methods and models that exist for solving the problem of intermodal and terminal locating.展开更多
Following September 11, 2001, numerous security policies have been created which have caused a number of unique challenges in planning for transportation networks. Transportation policy and funding to improve the tran...Following September 11, 2001, numerous security policies have been created which have caused a number of unique challenges in planning for transportation networks. Transportation policy and funding to improve the transportation infrastructure has historically been addressed as individual modes not as intermodal transportation. As a consequence of this inopportune allocation, it is now apparent that the transportation modes are disconnected and have unequal levels of security and efficiency. Improved intermodal connectivity has therefore been identified as one of the main challenges to achieve a safer, secure, and productive transportation network. Tools need to be refined for collaboration and consensus building to serve as catalysts for efficient transportation solutions. In this study, a mathematical model using data envelopment analysis (DEA) was developed and investigated to assess the safety and security of intermodal transportation facilities. The model identifies the best and worst performers by assessing several safety and security-related variables. The DEA model can assess the efficiency level of safety and security of intermodal facilities and identify potential solutions for improvement. The DEA methodology presented is general in its framework and can be applied to any network of intermodal transportation systems. Availability of credible data, complemented with DEA methodology will help in management decisions making concrete safety and security decisions for intermodal transportation facilities.展开更多
In this paper, four potential cities to host an intermodal terminal for containers flowing through the Togolese transport corridor are examined. The transport cost minimization through the corridor is the main objecti...In this paper, four potential cities to host an intermodal terminal for containers flowing through the Togolese transport corridor are examined. The transport cost minimization through the corridor is the main objective. Consequently, the transport modes that offer the least cost to the transport supply chain are proposed. To attain this goal the paper aims to identify the optimal location for an intermodal terminal on the Togolese corridor, by using the mathematical linear programming model. For this, three transport scenarios are analyzed, the rail, the road, and the combination of these two transport modes to each of the landlocked countries (LLCs) capital cities of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Data of the average transport cost per mode, the cargo demand of the LLCs, and the distances from origin to destinations are input in the LINGO software. Based on the optimization results, we find that among the preselected terminals, the city of Mango located at 550 km in the northern part of the country is the optimal host location for an intermodal terminal along the Togolese corridor. The results of this study may be helpful to transport policy makers in the quest of rendering better servicing to the landlocked countries.展开更多
Major problem considered in this study was the intermodal routing problem of regional freight transportation in West Africa ECOWAS (Economic Community Of West Africa States), which can be defined as the problem of det...Major problem considered in this study was the intermodal routing problem of regional freight transportation in West Africa ECOWAS (Economic Community Of West Africa States), which can be defined as the problem of determining the freight flow quantity, the transportation mode in each transit corridor while satisfying the freight demand at each West Africa transit country (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger). The objective was to minimize in land transportation costs. In order to solve optimally and represent the problem, this research employed a linear programming model. The model was solved using Lingo Mathematic Application. The model results showed that port oriented freight logistics in west Africa ECOWAS region do not flow along optimal path and such incur longer time and higher logistics cost than is geographically necessary.展开更多
Freight transportation in urban areas has increased significantly in a shorter period due to the widespread use of e-commerce, fast delivery, and population growth. Recently, a noticeable government initiative aimed a...Freight transportation in urban areas has increased significantly in a shorter period due to the widespread use of e-commerce, fast delivery, and population growth. Recently, a noticeable government initiative aimed at creating an effective, acceptable, and sustainable city logistics policy. This paper examines freight consolidation as a transportation strategy for optimizing last-mile delivery costs. Freight consolidation involves combining smaller shipments from various origins into a single, larger shipment for more efficient transportation to a common destination. This approach is particularly beneficial for last-mile delivery, where frequent deliveries of smaller quantities are frequently visible. Finally, we provide an illustrative example targeting urban freight stakeholders for practicing possible consolidation methodology. The result in the illustrative example shows that freight with 3-day consolidation, despite the delay penalty, is cheaper than daily shipping, and both are cheaper than 2-day consolidated shipping. The study will benefit urban businesses and freight services.展开更多
文摘The lack of adequate and modern transport infrastructures makes the cost of transport in Africa higher than the rest of the world. Most of the transport infrastructures that exist were constructed during the colonial era which makes inter-regional connectivity difficult. The African Union in collaboration with other organization has committed to bridge the transport gap in Africa but still, face some challenges. This paper discusses the main issues that contribute for the weak nature of transportation in Sub-Saharan Africa with regards to the main transport modes and seeks to establish the possibility of sustainable intermodal transport through the integration of the different transport modes. Some policy reforms and other bilateral agreements such as deregulating the transport markets in West and Central Africa have been suggested to facilitate the development of an effective and efficient transport network in the Sub-Saharan African region.
文摘This paper develops a model for analyzing the potential of longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) related to pre- and post-haulage in the intermodal rail-road transport chain (IRT). The paper considers the combined economic and emission costs among three different transport networks including intermodal rail-road transport with current Swedish regulatory framework for trucks, intermodal rail-road transport with LHVs, and direct-road transport. The objective is to analyse the potential of high-capacity transport associated with pre- and post-haulage for enhancing the competitiveness of intermodal transport from a full-costs perspective. The model developed is applied to a Swedish context and case study. Research findings reveal that the break-even of the IRT compared to the direct road transport could be significantly lowered, which suggests the LHVs contribute to exploring the market of IRT over smaller flows.
文摘The objective of this paper is to create a process view of the development of intermodal transport solution from the basic idea to implementation. Special case of dedicated solutions based on large shippers’ volumes is chosen, where the shippers engage in the development process of the new solutions. Research is conducted using a qualitative approach: multiple case studies. Empirical data has been obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews with relevant respondents involved in the development projects. Shippers’ perspective on the development process is studied. Development process can be described through a generic four-stage process: Initiation, Planning, Implementation, and Further Development. Different actors and different resources are required at the different stages. The complex process of establishing new intermodal solutions has lacked attention in the intermodal research. Understanding and improving the development process of new intermodal solutions is considered to have an important effect on the viability of intermodal transport and can help to understand the barriers that prevent companies from switching to intermodal. Development process of new dedicated intermodal solutions is a gradual process of building up the transport solution in a continuous interaction between shippers and transport service providers. Research has focused on the shipper perspective on inter-modal transport, showing that switching to an intermodal transport is not simply a mode choice issue, but involves a transition process that takes time, demands resources, cooperation/coordination between multiple parties, may require changes in the supply chain beyond the transport link, involves multiple actors, and involves an industry that is itself in a process of change.
文摘Since rail-road transport uses road and rail networks and requires the transshipment infrastructures at the terminals, its competitiveness depends not only on the costs but also on the location of these terminals. This paper focused on providing a methodology for determining the optimal locations for intermodal freight transportation terminals in consolidation network. The goal is to minimize total costs in order to increase the efficiency of the transportation system. This paper also has allowed us to have an overview of the methods and models that exist for solving the problem of intermodal and terminal locating.
文摘Following September 11, 2001, numerous security policies have been created which have caused a number of unique challenges in planning for transportation networks. Transportation policy and funding to improve the transportation infrastructure has historically been addressed as individual modes not as intermodal transportation. As a consequence of this inopportune allocation, it is now apparent that the transportation modes are disconnected and have unequal levels of security and efficiency. Improved intermodal connectivity has therefore been identified as one of the main challenges to achieve a safer, secure, and productive transportation network. Tools need to be refined for collaboration and consensus building to serve as catalysts for efficient transportation solutions. In this study, a mathematical model using data envelopment analysis (DEA) was developed and investigated to assess the safety and security of intermodal transportation facilities. The model identifies the best and worst performers by assessing several safety and security-related variables. The DEA model can assess the efficiency level of safety and security of intermodal facilities and identify potential solutions for improvement. The DEA methodology presented is general in its framework and can be applied to any network of intermodal transportation systems. Availability of credible data, complemented with DEA methodology will help in management decisions making concrete safety and security decisions for intermodal transportation facilities.
文摘In this paper, four potential cities to host an intermodal terminal for containers flowing through the Togolese transport corridor are examined. The transport cost minimization through the corridor is the main objective. Consequently, the transport modes that offer the least cost to the transport supply chain are proposed. To attain this goal the paper aims to identify the optimal location for an intermodal terminal on the Togolese corridor, by using the mathematical linear programming model. For this, three transport scenarios are analyzed, the rail, the road, and the combination of these two transport modes to each of the landlocked countries (LLCs) capital cities of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Data of the average transport cost per mode, the cargo demand of the LLCs, and the distances from origin to destinations are input in the LINGO software. Based on the optimization results, we find that among the preselected terminals, the city of Mango located at 550 km in the northern part of the country is the optimal host location for an intermodal terminal along the Togolese corridor. The results of this study may be helpful to transport policy makers in the quest of rendering better servicing to the landlocked countries.
文摘Major problem considered in this study was the intermodal routing problem of regional freight transportation in West Africa ECOWAS (Economic Community Of West Africa States), which can be defined as the problem of determining the freight flow quantity, the transportation mode in each transit corridor while satisfying the freight demand at each West Africa transit country (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger). The objective was to minimize in land transportation costs. In order to solve optimally and represent the problem, this research employed a linear programming model. The model was solved using Lingo Mathematic Application. The model results showed that port oriented freight logistics in west Africa ECOWAS region do not flow along optimal path and such incur longer time and higher logistics cost than is geographically necessary.
文摘Freight transportation in urban areas has increased significantly in a shorter period due to the widespread use of e-commerce, fast delivery, and population growth. Recently, a noticeable government initiative aimed at creating an effective, acceptable, and sustainable city logistics policy. This paper examines freight consolidation as a transportation strategy for optimizing last-mile delivery costs. Freight consolidation involves combining smaller shipments from various origins into a single, larger shipment for more efficient transportation to a common destination. This approach is particularly beneficial for last-mile delivery, where frequent deliveries of smaller quantities are frequently visible. Finally, we provide an illustrative example targeting urban freight stakeholders for practicing possible consolidation methodology. The result in the illustrative example shows that freight with 3-day consolidation, despite the delay penalty, is cheaper than daily shipping, and both are cheaper than 2-day consolidated shipping. The study will benefit urban businesses and freight services.
