Destinations: Intermodal Transportation, Essay Example

Introduction

Intermodal transportation involves the development of diagrammatic approaches to moving freight across different channels, including air and water. Each of these constructs is important because it provides different alternatives in the transport of goods as necessary to achieve the desired objectives. The differences between transport systems have been minimized to some degree through the creation of approaches that improve efficiency across channels and support the development of new directives and exchanges in the transfer of products (Rodrigue and Slack). Therefore, the transport of products requires an effective integration of modes of transport in order to ensure that products are delivered in a timely manner (Rodrigue and Slack).

Body

From a logistical point of view, it is important to develop a greater understanding of the different challenges that companies face in using intermodal forms of transport (Rodrigue and Slack). In some cases, it is necessary to consider the constructs associated with freight transport and whether or not it may be moved without delays or disruptions (Rodrigue and Slack). In addition, there is a necessary to explore the different types of modes that are available to companies to transport their products in a cost effective manner (Rodrigue and Slack). These efforts require organizations to recognize their strengths and limitations in moving products from one location to another, either by air or water (Rodrigue and Slack). Within this framework, it is necessary to establish an electronic means of conducting transport so that there are sufficient low-cost alternatives in place to move freight as required (Rodrigue and Slack). The exploration of new modes of intermodal transport have become increasingly relevant in recent years so that companies are able to remain competitive in their efforts to achieve desirable transport outcomes (Rodrigue and Slack).

The supply chain process for each form of intermodal transportation is instrumental in supporting the natural direction of freight movement across different channels (DeWitt and Clinger 2). In ocean transport, it is important to identify the issues related to freight movement across different bodies of water, including the ability to remain efficient in transport at all times (DeWitt and Clinger 2). Furthermore, it is important to identify the different directives that are relevant in the support of efficient and thorough logistics at every level (DeWitt and Clinger 3). For example, the ability to move freight via either land or water is largely dependent on the capabilities of these forms of transport and whether or not there are any delays that must be addressed (DeWitt and Clinger 3). The diagrams referenced below demonstrate the importance of both primary forms of intermodal transportation and their impact on organizational success (DeWitt and Clinger 3).

Conclusion

Different forms of intermodal transportation, such as air and water, require organizations to properly assess these areas and to take the steps that are necessary to ensure that their freight and other types of goods are fully protected from additional risks or harm during the transport process. Therefore, sufficient time and resources must be available to ensure that transportation is conducted in the appropriate manner without significant delays, along with the creation of transport environments that minimize time constraints and that also support the development of new directives to promote consistency and growth in these practices. From a logistical point of view, the time that is required to move products from point A to point B, whether by water or air, must be explored to minimize errors and to reduce delays in these modes of transportation as necessary to promote cost effectiveness and efficiency at all times.

Diagram A: Ocean Transport

Kitchener, Ontario — Carrier 1 —- Route 1 — Moscow, Russian (Delays possible)

— Carrier 2 — Route 2 — Moscow, Russia (No delays possible)

— Carrier 3 — Route 3 —- Moscow, Russia (Delays are likely)

*From port to port, there is a greater likelihood of delays or disruptions, particularly when weather is less than desirable Diagram B: Air Transport

Kitchener, Ontario Air Route 1 -? Moscow, Russia (No connections necessary)

• Air Route 2 -> Moscow, Russia (Connections required)
• Air Route 3 -> Moscow, Russia (Direct without planned delays)

*From the initial to the final destination, there are numerous risks and delays possible, depending on such factors as weather, air traffic control, and other limitations

Works Cited

DeWitt, William, and Clinger, Jennifer. “Intermodal flight transportation.” A1B05: Committee on Intermodal Freight Transport, 27 July 2013: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/millennium/00061.pdf

Rodrigue, Jean-Paul, and Slack, Brian. “Intermodal transportation and containerization.” 27 July 2013: http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch3en/conc3en/ch3c6en.html