VitalRail/Rail Trucking Coordination IntelliConference

Background Statement

Rail and trucking possess distinct strengths and limitations. When operating without comprehensive coordination, these limitations produce unintended negative operational and financial consequences. Conversely, in an integrated system, the strengths of each mode are optimized, thereby enhancing financial returns for both modes.

Core Question

What modifications to business practices and public policy frameworks are necessary to optimize the working relationship between the trucking and rail sectors, thereby benefiting shippers, transportation providers, investors, labor and other staff, communities, and the environment?

Dialogue Questions

Round One
Current State

1. What are the advantages of trucking for freight transport?
2. What are the advantages of rail for freight transport?
3. What are the limitations of each transportation mode?
4. Which trucking and rail companies demonstrate effective collaboration and coordination?
5. What factors contribute to the success of these collaborative efforts?
6. What issues or challenges reduce efficiency in the interactions between trucks and railroads?

Round Two
A New Future: Enhancing Truck and Rail Collaboration

1. What are the key concerns regarding bi-modal collaboration and coordination that warrant productive discussion?
2. What is the ideal vision for bi-modal communication, information sharing, and cargo tracing to meet the needs of shippers and beneficial cargo owners?
   1. What challenges impede the realization of this vision?
   2. Which emerging technologies in cargo tracing and data exchange (currently in research, development, or market entry) could benefit from increased cooperation and standardization?
   3. How can commercial confidentiality concerns be addressed during the implementation of this vision?
3. How can trucking and railroads collaborate to improve lane balance and optimize asset utilization across both modes?
4. What service enhancements can trucking and railroads jointly develop to benefit shippers?
5. What innovations in rolling stock (e.g., tractor-trailers, chassis, containers, railcars) and freight handling/transfer systems would enhance intermodal productivity?
6. Beyond past innovations like double-stacked containers in articulated well cars replacing trailers on spine cars (TOFC), what are the next revolutionary advancements for:
   1. Side-access containers or trailers?
   2. Dedicated "circus-loading" railcars that cost-effectively support lower-density movement of dry van or reefer trailers without requiring additional strengthening against rail forces?
7. What infrastructure and facility developments and innovations would contribute to intermodal productivity?
8. What lessons can be learned from previous or current North American or international approaches to intermodal transportation that might inform new improvements?
9. Which areas of local, state, and federal regulations require better alignment to improve intermodal efficiency, specifically concerning:
   1. Weight Limits
   2. Hazardous Materials (Hazmat)
   3. Railroad Crew Sizes
   4. Taxes
10. What dynamics support the creation of dedicated roads or lanes that would benefit intermodal collaboration?
11. Under what conditions is a single-mode approach more appropriate, based on factors such as:
    1. Lane length
    2. Commodity type
    3. Cargo time sensitivity
    4. Modal capacity
    5. Transload cost
    6. Energy cost
12. What government policies are necessary to encourage and support intermodal coordination in planning and infrastructure investment?
13. How can funding and decision-making for infrastructure projects that support intermodal coordination be expedited?