The Role of the National Highway System Connectors: Industry Context and Issues

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

Prepared by
A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc.

In Association with
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Louis Berger & Associates
Parsons Brinkerhoff

February, 1999

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Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. Background and Definitions – What is an Intermodal Connector?
A Short Legislative History
Defining an Intermodal Connector
III. Changing Practices and Priorities in Freight Transportation Demand
Changing Business Practices
Focusing on Transportation Characteristics Rather than Modes and Routes
The Responses of the Transportation Industry
New National Security Requirements
Passenger Movements
IV. Implications for the Transportation System
Greater Demand and Greater Stress
Modal Integration – Striving for Connectivity in the Supply Chain
The Role of the Intermodal Connectors
Opportunities and Barriers to Facilitating Intermodal Connectors
Appendix A. Executive Dialogue Discussion Summary

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