Intermodal Freight and Global Operations/ Management
The global market place is in need for intermodal transport systems that are exceptionally integrated. The twenty first century will experience a renewed intermodal freight transportation focus, and this will be driven by the varying global supply chains’ requirements. Every transportation mode has been under technological evolution and has been functioning individually during the 20th century under a regulatory structure that was modally-based. There has been a keen growth on global supply chain requirements and logistics, and this will promote intermodal transportation growth (Lowe, 2005). In this regard, there is a need to consider a number of factors that can either challenge or drive the universal intermodal freight transportations’ growth. First is the comprehension, measurement, and response to intermodalism role in the supply chains’ hypercompetition and changing customer requirements in an international marketplace. Second is the need to flexibly and reliably react to changing client needs with integrated and seamless coordination of equipment and freight flows via various modes (Lowe, 2005).
In my view, the greatest challenge in ensuring integrated intermodal transports lies in assessing which modal or mode combination as well as transfer points that can bring about the best general performance level.
Having engaged in intermodal transport systems for some time, I am well aware that benchmarking is a remarkable instrument that can offer the solution to this. Benchmarking aims at improving performance through identifying the best practices, analyzing why there has been variations in performance, and making suggestions of potential changes that decisions makers can introduce.
Response to Parker
I agree with Parker that as far as road haulage is concerned, every country is trying its best to minimize pollution and congestion. A remarkable statement is that the use of waterways and rail is an indication that there has been an increase in the utilization of integrated transport. Through the “A New Deal Better for Everyone”, a White Paper, Europe has been advocating for increased waterways use. I consent with Parker that there has been a remarkable use of the piggyback system in both countries and it has gained acceptance and notoriety. In this regard, the use of rail technology, bimodal trailer, and ‘spine’ type rail wagon has increased. I also support the view that using energy efficient sources will go a long way in ending pollution (International Maritime Organization, 2013).
Response to McElwee
I agree with McElwee that safety is extremely vital particularly when dealing with shipping containers. On the same note, implementing sets of rules aimed at regulating safety is quite tasking. It was remarkable for McElwee to note that the Geneva’s International Convention for Safe Containers in 1972 was crucial in promoting human life safety in the transportation, stacking, and handling of containers (Billie, 2013). After reading the response, it was thrilling to learn that the convention’s provisions purpose at achieving two goals. First, the provision of acceptable related strength requirements and test procedures will help in promoting the safety of people that handle and transport containers. Second is the facilitation of international containers’ transport through uniform global safety regulations that will be used on all surface transport modes.
References
Billie, B. (2013). Facts about Shipping containers. Retrieved from: http://www.billiebox.co.uk/facts-about-shipping-containers/
International Maritime Organization. (2013), International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). Retrieved from: http://www.imo.org/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-Safe-Containers-(CSC).aspx
Lowe, D. (2005). Intermodal Freight Transport. Jordan Hill, GBR: Boston.
