The vast majority of manufactured commodities moving in international trade are shipped in ocean-going containers. Thus, except for locations relatively near seaports, regions that wish to engage in emerging global markets must rely on rail-truck intermodal facilities. The nearer manufacturers are to such facilities, the more competitive they are. Firms that are relatively far from intermodal facilities find it difficult to compete in international markets. With the possible exception of West Virginia's northern and eastern panhandles, most areas of West Virginia are more than 130 miles from the nearest rail-truck intermodal facility. The same is true for eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio. This lack of proximity adds approximately $450 - $650 to each container shipped to or from the region. As a result, the volume of such shipments is relatively small. If the region is to become a meaningful participant in international markets for manufactured goods, the lack of access to intermodal terminals must be addressed. However, because the rail lines that traverse the region cannot accommodate double-stack intermodal railroad equipment, remedying the lack of facilities is challenging. Freight containers are shipped most efficiently when they are moved in equipment that allows containers to be stacked two high (double-stacked). Double-stacking allows many quasi-fixed train costs to be spread over a nearly doubled cargo capacity. This substantially reduces the per-ton cost of container movements. Generally, double-stacks require a minimum top-of-rail clearance of 20 feet 3 inches. Within this context, the West Virginia Department of Transportation, in conjunction with a number of partners, has engaged in an analysis that explores the feasibility of modifying existing railroad trackage so that rail routes within the region can accommodate double-stack container movements.


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    Title :

    Central Corridor Double-Stack Initiative. Final Report


    Publication date :

    2003


    Size :

    92 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





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