Security and mobility of intermodal freight networks

The conceptual framework and design of specific vital components of a simulation-assignment tool for assessing the impact of potential security measures on mobility and demand in an intermodal freight system are proposed. A multimodal freight network simulator is employed within the tool to model terminal delays and consolidation policies at classification yards, intermodal transfer terminals, and ports, as well as train and waterways service networks. The development of this tool is motivated by security and mobility concerns in the critically vital northeastern region of the United States, with a focus on intermodal freight movements in the Washington, D.C.-New York City (DC-NY) freight corridor as a model for the rest of the nation. This tool provides a core analysis capability for security implementation proposals and disaster scenarios in this corridor. It provides a state-of-the-art test bed for analyzing new technologies and potential measures to improve security that may simultaneously improve efficiency and mobility. This paper describes the platform, core components, and key capabilities, as well as modeling techniques, for security implementation evaluation and postdisaster damage assessment within the DC-NY freight corridor.