In this paper, we analyze the regional supply chain economic and environmental effects of shifting 10% of intercity freight carried by trucks to rail. Compared to truck, the freight-rail network provides a cost competitive, more fuel-efficient shipping alternative that can also help to reduce roadway congestion. At the same time, the increased demand for rail transportation raises the need for the expansion of the railroad system. In our case study, we assume that 10 percent of intercity freight moved by trucks in Pennsylvania is shifted to rail, and that this shift requires a 10 percent expansion of the freight-rail system: construction of new tracks, stations, maintenance and repair shops, and manufacturing of new locomotives. Using the national and regional 1997 benchmark economic input-output life-cycle assessment models (EIO-LCA and REIO-LCA) developed at Carnegie Mellon University (www.eiolca.net). we estimate the change of total supply chain economic activity, electricity and fuel use, emission of carbon dioxide and conventional air pollutants (CO, S02, NOx, VOC, PM10) induced by the shift between rail and truck transportation in Pennsylvania and the Mid Atlantic economic region (including DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, and PA). We find that the shift has environmental benefits considering only the transportation sectors and their supply chains themselves. If the railroad infrastructure investment effects are allocated over a period of time, the overall supply chain effects are also positive.
Analysis of Regional Supply Chain Economic and Environmental Effects of Expansion of the U.S. Freight-Rail System
Ninth International Conference on Applications of Advanced Technology in Transportation (AATT) ; 2006 ; Chicago, Illinois, United States
2006-08-04
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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