In a significant gathering focusing on the evolution of transportation logistics, the 104th annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) took place in Washington, addressing the complexities and advancements within intermodal transportation—defined as freight movement involving air, land, and sea. The event drew over 13,000 participants, including educators, regulators, and private sector representatives, all aimed at discussing innovative methods to enhance the efficiency of logistics systems.
At a pivotal session convened by the TRB’s Intermodal Freight Transport Committee, attendees engaged in open discussions away from formal presentations, contributing to the brainstorming of diverse ideas surrounding freight movement. This free-form manner was aligned with TRB mandates that necessitate committees to produce research needs statements, which in turn pave the way for funding opportunities for empirical studies.
Dominic Menegus from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) shared insight into a new geospatial layer focused on intermodal freight transportation, aimed at enhancing data analytics for better decision-making. This layer serves as a thematic guide, akin to a legend on a map, that can assist in land use and planning initiatives.
Focusing on the specifics of dry bulk shipping, Menegus outlined his current efforts which include tracking the flow of agricultural products, minerals, and recycling materials at ports. He noted that data analysis, such as monitoring the fluctuations in the size of coal piles at terminals, when juxtaposed with docking and railroad information, can yield valuable knowledge that informs freight transportation investment strategies. He further solicited feedback on what constitutes a definitive “line in the sand” regarding intermodal dry bulk items, such as defining transload facilities.
Moreover, the meeting emphasised a collective objective to create a comprehensive geospatial resource that would accurately reflect the locations and characteristics of trailer-on-flatcar (TOFC) and container-on-flatcar (COFC) facilities. This resource would integrate data from multiple authoritative sources, including the Intermodal Association of North America and the Surface Transportation Board.
Participants voiced several suggestions for expanding the survey focus, including roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) shipments, construction materials, and free trade zones. A notion was also raised about developing a distinct layer aimed at warehouse and distribution centre dynamics—including the operations of major players such as Amazon. Attendees speculated that insight into distribution centre capabilities would benefit planning for versatile use, such as manufacturing proximity to rail lines.
Looking towards future funding possibilities, Menegus indicated that financial resources from metropolitan planning organisations (MPOs) and state transportation departments could be made available, potentially resulting in new allocations for enhancing these geospatial layers as early as 2026. An additional topic highlighted was the anticipated Federal Aviation Administration waiver for cargo drones, signalling ongoing progress in this rapidly evolving area, already demonstrated in cities like Phoenix.
In spite of robust discussions surrounding technological advancements, such as AI and machine learning within the logistics sector, a business survey presented during the meeting indicated a lukewarm response toward AI by participants. Although AI remains a buzzing topic akin to blockchain a few years ago, attendees suggested a shift in focus, urging for practical measures that enhance the understanding of logistical operations and their economic impact rather than solely exploring trendy technological implications.
The dialogue also touched on workforce development, anticipating a shift in skills demand over the next decade—from diesel mechanics to chemists, particularly driven by the rise of battery power. This highlights a potential necessity for educational institutions to adapt curricula that reflect these changes, making it crucial for students to engage actively with industry practitioners who possess hands-on freight movement experience.
Overall, the discussions at the TRB annual meeting encapsulate a complex interplay between emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks, and the modern needs of the supply chain, setting the stage for ongoing research and innovation in the realm of intermodal transportation.
Source: Noah Wire Services