Analysis of Intermodal Transportation Research Paper

Analysis of Intermodal Transportation - Research Paper Example However, in most cases, it is applied to the freight transportation. Though it may be time-consuming, the transport system is popular in the contemporary world (Coyle, 2011). Intermodal transportation is implemented using two or more inter-linked transport modes. It applies best in such situations when circumstances such as convenience and distance force one to employ the use of various transport modes. The modes supplement one other over a wide range of geographical space (Kardar, Rezapour & Farahani, 2011). Intermodal transportation system functions through a set of closely coordinated networks between modes and means of transport. The system implies that one transport mode inextricably links to another with proper logistic coordination at the terminus. The process may be cyclic in nature, in which case goods and services may move from one point to the other. There are changes in forms and characteristics and come back as the completely new product or a more modified version of the original product. For instance, a farmer harvests coffee that he or she transports to the nearest factory by road. The processed coffee gets to the nearest port for export th rough rail transport ten carried overseas through water transport. The product may follow the same channel as it finds its way back to the farmer to inform of new products such as chocolate (Coyle, 2011). The main rationale for the use of intermodal transportation system is to consolidate goods, people and services for efficiency in long-haul transportation. It serves to enhance the efficiency of delivery operations during transportation. Intermodal transportation is not limited to cross-border exchanges. Parcels and other mail documents also take this form of transportation as they move from place to place (Konings, Priemus & Nijkamp, 2008). Â