Intermodal Container Transport System Solutions for Chicago Region (Semester Unknown) IPRO 307

Abstract

What is intermodal transportation? Intermodal transportations are the use of multiple types of transportation such as ships, planes, locomotive and semi-trailers to transport goods in and out of the United States. An example of this would be the importation of goods from overseas that arrive in the United States via cargo ships. Distribution of these goods can vary depending on the distance the container needs to travel. Containers that travel short distances will be done via semi-trailer, whereas containers that have to travel cross country are loaded into locomotives and transported the Midwest for sub-distribution or the other coast for distribution. Why is intermodal transportation important? The efficiency in moving products is what makes Intermodal Transportation important. The more efficient a product is distributed the more money is saved, due to less time and less labor involved in the process. What is the scope of this IPRO? The scope of this IPRO is to provide a manifesto of good practices that will improve intermodal transportation to be environmentally conscious and friendly. The IPRO team will produce a book containing good practices in the design of an intermodal facility. The team will also implement the methods by producing a build-out. The team will also focus on the Clark Road bridge design from previous semester to help improve the commerciality of Gary, Indiana. There is a growing concern today to be more environmentally conscious and friendly. Cities like Chicago are introducing green roofs to help the environment by reducing carbon dioxide therefore lessening the green house effects. The challenge for this IPRO team is how we can improve intermodal yards while 3 keeping in mind the environmental and ethical issues. Some of the environmental issues the team is dealing with are noise, water, air and land quality. The ethical issues are the effect on the individual and the community of having an intermodal facility at your back door. The team will research and find solutions for these issues and write up a report to publish in the book.Deliverable