Intremodal Transportation - Term Paper Example

Intermodal Transportation Intermodal Transportation Globalization has ushered an increase in intermodal transportation worldwide. It is an important aspect in the growth of the global economy. Intermodal transportation is defined as “the transportation of a person or a load from its origin to its destination by a sequence of at least two transportation modes, the transfer from one mode to the next being performed at an intermodal terminal” (Crainic & Kap, 2005). “It is the process of addressing the linkages, interactions, movements between modes of transportation” (Dewey, 2003). Intermodal transportation is confronted by several issues and challenges but foremost among these is the problem on security and safety. The increased concern for security and safety issues of intermodal transportation was brought about by various factors. More than anything else, it is an aftermath of the 9/11 attack. Since then, there were already many incidences of violent attacks worldwide against transportation targets. Furthermore, the infrastructure and operations of railroads are dependent on information technology which is vulnerable to terrorists and hacker activities (Tarr, McGurk, & Jones, 2005). The threat of terrorism on transportation facilities is real as proven by the increase in requests for new security devices (Tarr, McGurk, & Jones, 2005). Aside from security threats on transportation facilities and infrastructure, there also exist the risk of tampering with valid shipments and the introduction of false shipments in supply chains, such as misdeclared goods (Pillai, 2006). The security and safety issues that confront the intermodal transportation was highlighted by Jennifer Dorn, Federal Transit Administrator, when she said, “The State Department reports that in 1991, 20 percent of all violent attacks worldwide were against transportation targets; by 1998, 40 percent involved transportation targets, with a growing number directed at bus and rail systems. The recent attacks on the World Trade Center . . . reminds us all that we must respond to a new terrorist reality—terrorism that is well-financed, well-organized and ruthless. The credible threat of increasing terrorism directed toward our nation’s transit systems requires that we take immediate prudent action to prevent, prepare for and respond to violence—the nature and magnitude of which was once unimaginable (APTA 2001)” (Tarr, McGurk, & Jones, 2005). This is the reason why the government is one with the private sector in trying to find ways and solutions to address this issue. The government for its part increased the number of visible of uniformed patrols at transport terminals (Tarr, McGurk, & Jones, 2005). In addition, they also assigned more K9 teams and vehicles which detect explosives. On the part of the private sector, more closed-circuit TV and security alarms are installed within their perimeters and facilities (Tarr, McGurk, & Jones, 2005). Some freight companies started to use bomb-resistant containers. Other security devices utilized include installation of metro-rail fiber optic network for video recording, use of programmable intrusion equipment in the subway system to alert police of unauthorized intrusion and the expansion of the chemical emergency sensor program (Tarr, McGurk, & Jones, 2005). Some people argue that safety and security issues are not the real challenge for intermodal transportation. They claim that the real challenge is to have an effective partnership between the private and public sectors to deliver quality service and improve the efficiency of the various transportation modes and create a successful linking of these modes. The objection raised regarding the argument presented that safety and security issues are the major concerns in intermodal transportation is valid. However, it must be realized that without measures that will ensure the safety and security of intermodal transportation, the industry will not continue to prosper and quality service will not be delivered. In the future, the economy will see an unprecedented growth in intermodal transportation. Intermodal transportation is highly beneficial to the economy of any country. But as it becomes more important, the security and safety concerns also become a priority. The interconnectivity between the different modes of transportation makes its infrastructures and facilities attractive to terrorist attacks and other security threats (Boyd & Caton, 2001). To address the issue on security, it is expected that there will be more involvement from the government in terms of instituting standardized rules and regulations. To date, the government has established several legislations and programs which tackle the security and safety issues. Some of these are the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), US Customs and Border Protection “Smart Box” Program, Operation Safe Commerce (OSC) and the Custom-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) (Pillai, 2006). The private sector on the other hand will continue to discover ways towards the advancement in information technology which will allow for a better, safer and more secure management of the intermodal movements from multiple handlings by numerous groups (Transportation Research Board, 1998). Private companies need to strengthen their partnerships by practicing information sharing and profiling with overseas parties. In the end, what is essential is that both the government and the private sector continue to have an effective working collaboration whose objective is to ensure the safety and security of the intermodal transportation sector and the people that they serve. References Boyd, A., & Caton, J. (2001). Securing intermodal connections: Meeting the challenges of rail-aviation passenger facilities. Crainic, T. G., & Kap, H. K. (2005). Intermodal transportation. Dewey, J. F. (2003, June 18). Intermodal transportation. Retrieved from bebr.ufl.edu: http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/sites/default/files/Intermodel_Transportation_0.pdf Lentzsch, C. R. (1998, Summer). The proceedings : Panel II: Intermodal transportation issues - Passenger and freight. University of Denver Transportation Law Journal . Pillai, N. (2006, March 24). Key issues and challenges in intermodal transportation security. Retrieved from trforum.org: http://www.trforum.org/forum/downloads/2006_5CPillai_presentation.pdf Tarr, R. W., McGurk, V., & Jones, C. (2005). Intermodal transportation safety and security issues: Training against terrorism. Journal of Public Transportation , 8 (4). Transportation Research Board. (1998). Policy options for intermodal freight transportation: Special report 252. Washington DC: The National Academies Press. Read More