SIMULATION OF THE RAILWAY COMPONENT OF INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION

Abstract

In this report, the authors describe a detailed research model for the railway component of intermodal trucking operations, using discrete event system simulation. Emphasis is placed on strategic issues including railhead location analysis in multi-facility settings and product mix analysis (container versus trailer) by railhead within rail networks. The research models developed herein focus on the effects of railhead location and mix on drayage efficiency relative to shipment density profiles provided by BNSF Railway in the Chicago, IL area. The research advances the state of the art in intermodal simulation modeling through concurrent consideration of multiple-terminal network design and terminal