MPC
Research Projects (2006-07)

Identifying Number

MPC-268

Project Title

Accessing International Container Markets from the Northern Plains

University

North Dakota State University

Project Investigator

Mark Berwick, NDSU
mark.berwick@ndsu.edu

External Project Contact

Jack Olson, NDDOT

Project Objective

To provide an overview of container service, and container service alternatives for the Northern Plains based on North Dakota scenario analysis.

Project Abstract

The research will present a baseline of information relevant to the container market, including traffic volumes, traffic flows, facility locations, service rates, and cycle times through a review of existing data and literature. Scenario analysis will then be developed to describe the rates, cycle times, and market factors associated with several container service alternatives. Proposed scenarios include co-load local terminal locations, dray to hub terminal with existing and alternative equipment configurations, short line railroad dray to hub terminal, box or hopper car to container transfer facility, new local "big-box" distribution center, and new local intermediary manufacturer.

Task Descriptions

1. Review literature relevant to the current project (September 30, 2006)
2. Document the current condition in North Dakota relevant to container volumes service and rates (October 30, 2006)
3. Conduct scenario analysis to determine cycle times, rates, and service alternatives
4. Explore co-load possibilities and conduct scenario analysis association with rail, drayage, short lines, transload, and other scenarios as they may arise (January 31, 2007)
5. Determine location factors for "big box" distributors and manufacturers to determine the possibilities of locating in North Dakota.
6. Attend intermodal committee meetings at annual TRB meeting.
7. Complete draft research publication (May 31, 2007)
8. Submit publication to peer reviewers for suggestions (June 1, 2007)
9. Revise and submit final research publication (June 30, 2007)

Milestones, Dates

Starting Date: July 1, 2006
Ending Date: June 30, 2007

Yearly and Total Budget

$87,000

Student Involvement

One graduate student

Relationship to Other Research Projects

North Dakota Strategic Freight Analysis: Intermodal Highway/Rail/Container Transportation (MPC Report No. 01-127.1)

Potential for Locating Intermodal Facilities on Short Line Railroads (MPC Report No. 00-111)

Technology Transfer Activities

MPC Research Report, Presentations at local meetings and national conferences; journal article submission

Potential Benefits of the Project

Container facility and shipment decisions by private and public practitioners; policy development and assessment; local infrastructure investment and management decisions

TRB Keywords

Intermodal, Rail, Container, Drayage