Transportation Logistics Software

Funded by a cost-sharing initiative between USDOT and APL, the prototype system deployment effort began in late 2001. The system is expected to integrate an advanced third-generation chassis tracking system with Internet-based intermodal freight logistics applications to provide end-to-end cargo visibility. One of the project's long-term goals is to provide information on the status and location of an asset over its serviceable life. To accomplish this, standardized information will be provided to intermodal carriers via the PAR "Cargo*Mate" Logistics Information Management System and customized logistics software applications being developed by Transcentric. The cargo visibility system will also be extended to include rail movements by integrating Union Pacific's radio frequency identification rail car tagging system with Transcentric's software applications.

Benefits of the Freight Information Highway and Cargo Visibility Prototype

This deployment is expected to demonstrate several key business benefits, including decreasing the nationwide pool of chassis, reducing empty miles, decreasing maintenance costs, reducing equipment damage, and improving rail's ability to support just-in-time logistics. Additionally, this effort will also seek to provide a proof-of-concept of the open-source Freight Information Highway logistics software. The successful development of this software could lead to its adoption as an intermodal freight industry standard. This would provide for a degree of logistics information interoperability, which would support the ability to provide cargo visibility across modes and businesses.
An additional, but less tangible, benefit is the enhanced relationships that developed among the project's public and private stakeholders through the IFTWG. The IFTWG was formed in 1998 in an initial meeting sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, in cooperation with ITS America and other public and private sector interest groups. Since 2000, a major focus of the IFTWG has been on four primary intermodal technology deployment areas identified by stakeholders as key to improving intermodal transportation. These areas are "Cargo Visibility," "Freight Information Highway," "Chassis Business Enterprise," and "Terminal Dray." Spurred by the events of September 11, the IFTWG is now examining how freight technologies might best be applied to support homeland security.

Credits

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