INTERMODAL:

Cargo Handling Cooperative Program

The goal of the Cargo Handling Cooperative Program (CHCP) has been to increase the productivity of marine freight transportation companies through cargo handling research and development. The CHCP, conceived as a public-private partnership, works to foster research and technology development among U.S. intermodal companies. The members actively pursue innovative cargo handling development to increase productivity and cost effectiveness of cargo operations. To learn more about CHCP visit their website at www.marad.dot.gov/chcp/.

For further information, you can contact MARAD's Office of Intermodal Development (telephone: 202-366-8887 or fax: 202-366-6988).

Intermodal Access to US Ports and Marine Terminals

MARAD has primary federal responsibility for ensuring the availability of efficient water transportation service to shippers and consumers as well as effective intermodal water and land transportation connections. In MARAD’s Strategic Plan, under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), a pivotal strategic goal is Intermodalism: Improve intermodal transportation system performance by applying advanced technology and innovation. MARAD’s success in achieving its intermodal strategic goal will be measured by a number of factors, a critical one being the increase of containerized cargo throughput capability.

We developed a survey instrument to achieve the aforementioned performance goal. Intermodal Access to U.S. Ports Survey and Intermodal Access to U.S. Marine Terminals Survey will provide MARAD with key road, rail, and waterside access data and highlight the issues that affect the flow of cargo through U.S. ports and terminals. Annual surveying of the industry will provide an overall indicator for cargo flow, capacity trends and requirements.

For further information, you can contact MARAD's Office of Intermodal Development (telephone: 202-366-8887 or fax: 202-366-6988).

Inventory of American Intermodal Equipment

The Inventory of American Intermodal Equipment records the intermodal equipment of U.S.-based companies. The information provided about containers, chassis and vessels is updated on a periodic basis. Information provided for each company reflects both those units that they own or lease. It should be noted that actual inventory volumes change on a daily basis, therefore, the inventory is only a snapshot of existing quantities. Inventory data are available on MARAD’s website (http://www.marad.dot.gov) by following the "Publications" link.

For further information, you can contact MARAD's Office of Intermodal Development (telephone: 202-366-8887 or fax: 202-366-6988).

Efficient Marine-Rail Interface

For the past several years the Center for the Commercial Deployment of Transportation Technologies (CCDoTT) has been developing Agile Port System (APS) concepts. APS consist of a variety of marine and inland intermodal terminals that are connected by freight corridors. For example, an inland intermodal terminal may support multiple marine terminals such as an Efficient Marine Terminal and High Speed Ship Terminal. APS is being developed to increase the productivity and efficiency of commercial marine and inland intermodal terminals. By taking a systems approach to marine terminals and inland terminal infrastructure development, while incorporating a comprehensive data management structure, CCDoTT is investigating APS because of their agility and flexibility to handle commercial cargo needs and military needs during times of deployment and sustainment.

For further information, you can contact MARAD's Office of Intermodal Development (telephone: 202-366-8887 or fax: 202-366-6988).