Author

Adel W. Sadek
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Vermont
E-mail: asadek@emba.uvm.edu
Phone:(802) 656-4126 Fax:(802) 656-8446

Description

This course is focused on Intermodalism with particular emphasis on intermodal freight transportation issues. Students are introduced to the components of intermodal transportation systems and the trends emerging in freight transportation at large. Advanced technologies used in intermodal transportation (e.g. RF tags, satellite wireless communications, bar codes) are addressed next, followed by a discussion of applications such as shipment information systems, railcars planning systems, or Railroad Grade Crossing Management Systems. The link between the private industry sector and the public traffic and safety management systems is explored through a review of four ITS/Intermodal concepts. The final section of the course describes some of the ITS concepts that could be applied to improve intermodal passenger transportation.

Objectives

After completing this module, students are expected to:

• Describe the different components of an intermodal transportation system
• Discuss recent trends in freight transportation
• Recognize the technologies that could be used to improve freight transportation
• Explain several ITS applications designed to improve both freight as well as passengers intermodal transportation
  

Audience

Public-sector Transportation Professionals including US DOT engineers, planners, project managers, and field staff, FTA Regional staff, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Specialists, and others as appropriate. Transportation professionals from state, regional, and local agencies would also benefit from participation in the course.

Length

Approximately four hours.

Prerequisites

Students taking this module are assumed to be familiar with the National ITS Architecture, ITS user services and market packages, ITS communication principles, Advanced Traffic Management Systems, and ITS/CVO applications.

Outline

The course outline is as follows:

1. What Is Intermodalism?
   1. Background
   2. Intermodal Freight Transportation
      
2. Components of the Freight Transportation System
   1. Components of the Freight Transportation System
   2. The Freight Transportation System
   3. Freight Transportation System: Five Modal Systems
   4. Test Your Knowledge: The Five Modes of Transport
   5. Third-Party Services
   6. Lesson 2 Objectives Review
   7. Lesson 2 Quiz
      
3. Trends in Intermodal Freight Transportation
   1. Trends in Intermodal Freight Transportation
   2. Growth of Intermodal Freight Transportation
   3. Test Your Knowledge: Growth Trends
   4. Trends Affecting Intermodal Transportation Industry
   5. Lesson 3 Objectives Review
   6. Lesson 3 Quiz
      
4. Advanced Technologies for Intermodal Freight Transportation
   1. Lesson 4 Objectives
   2. Radio Frequency (RF) Tags
   3. Satellite-Based Location Determination and Communication
   4. How Does GPS Work?
   5. Satellite Wireless Communications
   6. Test Your Knowledge: Satellites
   7. Cellular Technologies
   8. Bar Codes
   9. Smart Cards
   10. Information Exchange and Communications Technologies
   11. Lesson 4 Objectives Review
   12. Mid-Module Examination
       
5. Applications
   1. Shipment Information Systems
   2. Terminal Inventory Management Systems
   3. Ship Stowage Management Systems
   4. Gate Clearance Systems
   5. Asset Location and Management Systems
   6. Railcar Planning Systems
   7. Customs Clearance Systems
   8. Test Your Knowledge: Public-Sector ITS Applications
   9. Lesson 5 Objectives Review
   10. Lesson 5 Quiz
       
6. Linking Private and Public ITS Systems
   1. Intermodal Freight Transportation Challenges
   2. Test Your Knowledge: Challenges
   3. Lesson 6 Objectives Review
      
7. ITS/Intermodal Concepts
   1. Concept 1 - Terminal Outbound Flow Management
   2. Concept 2 - Terminal Inbound Flow Management
   3. Concept 3 - Incident Avoidance
   4. Concept 4 - At-Grade Rail Crossing Advance Notification
   5. Test Your Knowledge: AWARD
   6. Lesson 7 Objectives Review
   7. Lesson 7 Quiz
      
8. ITS and Passenger Intermodal Transportation
   1. Lesson Objectives
   2. Intermodal Center Timed Transfer Management
   3. Transit Park-and-Ride Information & Space Reservation
   4. Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) for Parking Availability
   5. Airport Access/Passenger Pickup
   6. Lesson 8 Objectives Review
      
9. Terms Review
   
10. Course Summary
    
11. Final Examination