Estimation of network level benefits of reliability improvements in intermodal freight transport

Abstract

An important problem in the assessment of reliability benefits of transport projects is that link level improvements must be translated to network level, so that they can be economically valued based on users' trips from origins to destinations. For intermodal transport, shipments follow a chain with more than one mode. Generally, this requires aggregation of travel time distributions that are not additive. We propose an approach that estimates the change in transport time reliability of an intermodal transport chain based on the changes for links of that chain. We demonstrate the framework of reliability assessment for a case study of network improvement for rail-truck intermodal transport in China. Also, we demonstrate the application in a cost-benefit analysis context with user valuations of transport reliabilities from the case at hand. The application leads to the result that projects for the renovation and expansion of the transshipment terminal perform better compared with project that improve rail haulage speed. Another finding is that the effect of reliability improvement projects can be super-additive at network level. In comparison with traditional methods, we conclude that the proposed method can better estimate transport time reliability benefits when the distribution of link travel times is highly skewed. Also, it opens new possibilities for further research for measuring correlated reliability measures within networks and for performing network resilience analysis.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Customer-Centered Intermodal Freight Routing Problem Based on the Combination of DRSA and NSGA-III

“…As reviewed before, this study considers the transportation reliability with stochastic travel time and the stochastic operation time at nodes. It is difficult to quantify the reliability of intermodal transportation under multiple parameter uncertainties, and related studies generally use simulation methods [37] or estimate the overall distribution [38] to quantity.…”

The Complexity of Logistics Services at Transshipment Terminals

“…According to decision models, the optimal mode of transshipment distribution was obtained based on a set of parameters that ensure the same spatial displacement, fewer expenditures, reduction in the transportation time of goods in transit, and warranty of cargo safety. Zhang et al [2] demonstrated a solution in a cost-benefit analysis context with user valuations of intermodal freight transport reliabilities. The authors proved as well that projects for the renovation and expansion of a transshipment terminal were found to be more effective compared to a project that improves the rail haulage speed.…”

“…A transshipment terminal is the intermediate node added to an intermodal transport network when combining/linking two or more liner services [1]. Transshipment terminals play a significant role in efficient freight delivery as an important link of intermodal transport chains, as has been mentioned by Zhang et al [2] and other researchers. As a part of transport and logistics systems, the terminals provide material handling and allow for transshipment between various transport modes.…”

“…(1) How can the complexity of services be assessed? (2) What criteria are the most important from the perspective of a particular transshipment terminal's representatives in the shaping, development, and extension of a transshipment terminal's comprehensive service offers?…”

Analysis of the Rail Transport Market in Poland

“…If the decisive factor is speed, the best solution will be air or road transport. However, if the main criterion is reliability or low cost, rail transport is an option worth consideration (Zhang et al, 2018;2019). A transport service provider offering transport services for the benefit of a company impacts the performance of the supply chain items it owns (Zitrický et al, 2017).…”