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Efficient Interfacing of the Truck-To-Ship Intermodal Grain Transfer System: Port of Houston

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 April 2015

Stephen Fuller  and
Mechel Paggi
Stephen Fuller
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University
Mechel Paggi
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University
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Extract

Agricultural transportation is often characterized by seasonal and cyclical traffic flows that unfavorably affect the logistical efficiency of the marketing system. Congestion problems arise in the truck-to-ship intermodal grain transfer system at the Port of Houston. Seasonal peaks in truck-delivered grain receipts create problems with efficient interfacing of the port elevators' grain-receiving capacity and truck arrival patterns. During peak volume periods, the elevators' receiving capacity is inadequate; long truck queues develop and congestion or waiting occurs. Queues of 3-4 miles are common during the peak receipt periods, whereas the facility may be idle for extended periods of off-peak time.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics , Volume 11 , Issue 1 , July 1979 , pp. 95 - 100
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 1979

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