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Optimizing the aerodynamic efficiency of intermodal freight trains

Author

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  • Lai, Yung-Cheng
  • Barkan, Christopher P.L.
  • Önal, Hayri

Abstract

We develop an aerodynamic loading assignment model for intermodal freight trains based on an integer-programming framework to help terminal managers make up more fuel-efficient trains. This is the first use of optimization modeling to address the aerodynamics and energy efficiency of railroad intermodal trains. Several recommendations regarding railway equipment use, operations, and policy are proposed to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce emissions from intermodal transportation. Analysis of one major railroad intermodal route reveals the potential to reduce fuel consumption by 15 million gallons per year with corresponding savings of $28,000,000. Greater benefits are possible through broader implementation of the model.

Suggested Citation

  • Lai, Yung-Cheng & Barkan, Christopher P.L. & Önal, Hayri, 2008. "Optimizing the aerodynamic efficiency of intermodal freight trains," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 44(5), pages 820-834, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transe:v:44:y:2008:i:5:p:820-834
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Rashidi, Kamran & Cullinane, Kevin, 2019. "Evaluating the sustainability of national logistics performance using Data Envelopment Analysis," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 35-46.
    2. Amir Gharehgozli & Debjit Roy & Suruchika Saini & Jan-Kees Ommeren, 2023. "Loading and unloading trains at the landside of container terminals," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 25(3), pages 549-575, September.
    3. Yung-Cheng Lai & Yanfeng Ouyang & Christopher P. L. Barkan, 2008. "A Rolling Horizon Model to Optimize Aerodynamic Efficiency of Intermodal Freight Trains with Uncertainty," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 42(4), pages 466-477, November.
    4. Upadhyay, Amit & Gu, Weihua & Bolia, Nomesh, 2017. "Optimal loading of double-stack container trains," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 1-22.
    5. Kaidabettu, Chiraag Dinesh & Lange, Ann-Kathrin & Jahn, Carlos, 2021. "Gantry crane scheduling and storage techniques in rail-road terminals," Chapters from the Proceedings of the Hamburg International Conference of Logistics (HICL), in: Jahn, Carlos & Kersten, Wolfgang & Ringle, Christian M. (ed.), Adapting to the Future: Maritime and City Logistics in the Context of Digitalization and Sustainability. Proceedings of the Hamburg International Conf, volume 32, pages 457-492, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute of Business Logistics and General Management.
    6. Mantovani, Serena & Morganti, Gianluca & Umang, Nitish & Crainic, Teodor Gabriel & Frejinger, Emma & Larsen, Eric, 2018. "The load planning problem for double-stack intermodal trains," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 267(1), pages 107-119.
    7. Michael F. Gorman & John-Paul Clarke & Amir Hossein Gharehgozli & Michael Hewitt & René de Koster & Debjit Roy, 2014. "State of the Practice: A Review of the Application of OR/MS in Freight Transportation," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 44(6), pages 535-554, December.
    8. Roy, Debjit & van Ommeren, Jan-Kees & de Koster, René & Gharehgozli, Amir, 2022. "Modeling landside container terminal queues: Exact analysis and approximations," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 73-102.
    9. Nils Boysen & Malte Fliedner & Florian Jaehn & Erwin Pesch, 2013. "A Survey on Container Processing in Railway Yards," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 47(3), pages 312-329, August.

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