Exploratory Study of Adapting or Developing Collapsible Containers and Inter-Liners for Use in Specialized Rail and Barge Equipment

摘要

A significant portion of rail and barge transportation energy is consumed unproductively in freight operations through the necessity of making empty backhauls. In 1975 the transport of empty railcars accounted for more than 45 percent of the total freight car-miles and nearly 25 percent of the gross ton-miles. Despite economic and energy penalties, empty car mileage has increased in recent years. Clearly, a reduction in empty railcar and barge mileage could lead to significant reductions in rail and barge energy consumption.nThis report represents the results of an exploratory investigation into the use of collapsible containers and interliners as specialized equipment for railcars and barges as a means of reducing empty backhauls.