Fleet Ownership and Intermodal Supply-Chain Efficiency

Intermodal freight transportation is a critical and growing component in many supply chains in the United States (U.S.). The competitiveness and efficiency of intermodal depends heavily upon effective trailer and container management and balancing. The paper will discuss the impact of container ownership on equipment balancing and its importance to intermodal competitiveness. Equipment balance and use challenges of a diversified owner base will be illustrated through a case study. The paper suggests that a spot market for equipment presents a possible remedy for imbalances. Also discussed is a proposed structure of a spot market it challenges. Domestic intermodal freight shipping has many attributes of truck service, such as truck pick-up and drop-off at both docks, with no direct rail access required. From a societal perspective, intermodal transportation creates ecological benefits, reduces highway congestion, an improved standard of living from lower product costs, and increased economic growth from greater competitiveness. In this light, the efficiency of the intermodal product has direct implications for business competitiveness and the U.S. standard of living.