Gateways, Corridors and Strategic City Pairs

Advances in transportation technology may mean that topography matters less, but trade routes will continue to favour the paths of least resistance. The location of gateway cities and distribution hubs exhibit patterns of hierarchical systems. A change in technology that alters location advantage heightens corridor competition and in the longer term, it may modify the relative positions of cities in the regional hierarchy. Changes in transportation technology during the 1850s and the 1950s that altered the barriers of time and space reordered trade corridors in these periods. As the 21st Century opens, the growing Asian economies are stimulating Pacific trade routes, and intermodal container shipping is causing a resurgence of railway opportunities for trade routes that are prepared to foster their development. This paper examines the concept of gateways and corridors, and the importance that strategic city pairs play in taking advantage of transportation opportunities. Its purpose is to encourage discussion on the topic of trade corridor competition. The first section presents a conceptual framework for examining trade corridors. Subsequently, two examples of strategic city pairs and corridor competition are considered. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the role of strategic city pairs in the promotion of the Mid-continent corridor.corridors; gateways; strategic partnership

FUTURE TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENTS IN THE U.S./CANADA/MEXICO GRAINS-LIVESTOCK SUBSECTOR UNDER NAFTA AND WTO

International Relations/Trade,

Refrigerated Food Transport from Canada to Mexico: Cold Chain Challenges

Qualitative research methods are used to examine the status of the "cold chain," which serves the Mexican market for Canadian food products. A brief synopsis of Canadian food exports to Mexico is presented to establish the demand for refrigerated transport. Subsequently, the supply of refrigerated transport is considered in terms of modal choice and routes from Canada to Mexico. This is followed by a narrative of cold chain challenges identified by industry respondents. The conclusion points to some policy issues for consideration

Gateways, Corridors and Strategic City Pairs

Advances in transportation technology may mean that topography matters less, but trade routes will continue to favour the paths of least resistance. The location of gateway cities and distribution hubs exhibit patterns of hierarchical systems. A change in technology that alters location advantage heightens corridor competition and in the longer term, it may modify the relative positions of cities in the regional hierarchy. Changes in transportation technology during the 1850s and the 1950s that altered the barriers of time and space reordered trade corridors in these periods. As the 21st Century opens, the growing Asian economies are stimulating Pacific trade routes, and intermodal container shipping is causing a resurgence of railway opportunities for trade routes that are prepared to foster their development. This paper examines the concept of gateways and corridors, and the importance that strategic city pairs play in taking advantage of transportation opportunities. Its purpose is to encourage discussion on the topic of trade corridor competition. The first section presents a conceptual framework for examining trade corridors. Subsequently, two examples of strategic city pairs and corridor competition are considered. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the role of strategic city pairs in the promotion of the Mid-continent corridor

The Rebirth of Airships

Until the outbreak of the Second World War, uncertainty existed whether airships and airplanes would dominate intercontinental passenger transportation. The massive investments in fixed-wing aircraft during these hostilities made airplanes the decisive winner, and relegated airships to a negligible role in transportation. As the 21st Century progresses, airships are making a comeback fueled by the 21st Century progresses, airships are making a comeback fueled by the growing demand for air cargo, the unique environmental and operational characteristics of buoyant flight, and advances in engineering science and materials. This paper examines the market niche for airships that exists between air and marine transport and the inherent advantages and disadvantages of this mode of transportation. The economics of airships are considered in light of their past achievements and current designs. The paper concludes with the discussion of two potential applications. A long haul mission for airships between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland is considered for perishable freight, and a short haul mission for airships in northern Canada is considered for the transport of freight and passengers to remote communities

Competing Technologies and Economic Opportunities for Northern Logistics: The Airship Solution

Economic development in Northern Canada is constrained by the cost of transportation and logistics. The limited transportation options available increase the direct costs of shipping and add to the indirect costs of inventories. Concerns about climate change impacts, delays in environmental approvals and uncertainty regarding First Nations land claims further increase investment risk. As a result, the transportation solution offered by airships is gathering increased interest in northern Canada. The purpose of the paper is to examine the market opportunity for a new generation of airships in Arctic logistics. The paper begins with an overview of the logistical options available and potential roles for airships. Subsequently, airship technology development is examined with respect to the product life-cycle theory and the observation of tipping points. The paper concludes with some thoughts on necessary steps to make this technology available in northern Canada

Regulation and competition in the taxi industry in Vancouver

The evolution of the motorized taxi industry in Vancouver is examined with respect to regulatory changes affecting competition. After initial laissez-faire policy, the industry was tightly regulated after 1946. As newer technologies emerged, newer types of services emerged and the demands of the public evolved. Vancouver remains one of the few large Canadian cities to resist increased competition. The protected taxi industry does not want changes pointing to congestion as a justification. The theory on externalities is examined with respect to congestion and information asymmetries. The paper document the most recent developments

North American Gateway and Corridor Initiatives in a Changing World

The explosive growth of the Asian economies and in particular, those of India and China, are transforming the global economy, world energy demands and world trade flows, transportation networks and infrastructure of ships, ports, railways, roads, planes, airports and all of their related multi-modal handling facilities. Central to the transformation of global trade logistics is the role of Gateways and Corridors in the economic development of region’s and continents. Canada’s Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Research Initiative is a consortium of four western research agencies established to explore the role of Gateways and Corridors in the economic development process. This paper provides a brief introduction to some of the theory, concepts, reality and issues surrounding the development of trade gateways and corridors in Canada and around the world and identifies areas for further research and policy development for Canada and North America to retain their competitive position in the global economy