Generic Framework for Transport Network Designs: Applications and Treatment in Intermodal Freight Transport Literature

Abstract

Six principles for the design of transport systems are described, including direct link, corridor, hub-and-spoke, connected hubs, static routes, and dynamic routes. The designs are theoretically discussed, defining the operational character of each design and their application in passenger, freight and rail freight transport. The theory is then applied to intermodal freight transport by comparing the terminology used in the paper with that in the scientific literature. The advantages of using a generic terminology over contextual ones are identified from the perspectives of researchers, commercial operators and policy-makers.

Spatial concentration and location dynamics in logistics: the case of a Dutch province

“…Finally, a fair amount of research has been done on intermodal terminals, dry ports, and freight villages (e.g. Konings, 1996;Tsamboulas and Dimitropoulos, 1999;Tsamboulas and Kapros, 2003;Bottani and Rizzi, 2007;Woxenius, 2007), but intermodal transport chains are center-stage, not the spatial concentration of logistics establishments around these terminals or dry ports.…”

Factors Influencing the Choice between Road and Multimodal Transportation

“…The details of these philosophies lie outside the scope of this thesis, however, the importance of consolidation is stressed, since even if trains operating on direct links offer good service with cost-efficient operations on large flow, long distance routes, consolidation is a necessity for being able to compete all-road transportation on short distances. Hence, Woxenius (2007) suggests that policy efforts encouraging consolidation networks might be more influential in order to promote intermodal transportation than general subsidies. Consolidation in freight flows will definitely affect the costs of multimodal transportation.…”

Simulation and optimisation of intermodal barge transport networks

“…Such a network concept may be categorized as a connected hubs design in the generic terminology of Woxenius (2007). By doing so inland barges do not have to call at multiple sea terminals.…”

“…Cooperation of inland terminals along the same waterway may be classified as a corridor network in the generic framework of transport network design by Woxenius (2007). An alternative term in literature for this type of bundling is 'line bundling '.…”