MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Potential for Locating Intermodal Facilities on Short Line Railroads
Authors:	Mark Berwick
University:	North Dakota State University
Publication Date:	May 2000
Report #:	MPC-00-111
Project #:	MPC-172
TRID #:	00793900
Keywords:	economic models, equipment, intermodal facilities, investments, operating costs, rural areas, short line railroads

Abstract

An economic engineering model was developed to estimate start-up and operating costs of an intermodal facility located on a short line railroad. The model developed in this study has many useful features. Costs can be estimated for different equipment configurations and sizes of facilities. Sensitivity analysis provided insight into investment decisions where the proportions of annual operating costs increased at a much lower rate than proportionally larger investment costs. The model provides information for shippers, short line railroads, economic developers, and Class I railroads.