ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the design of specifically the intermodal system, as well as the role played by intermodal terminals. It outlines the design of intermodal transport networks and their key characteristics, introducing the specific challenges of this market and the building blocks that must be managed by operators and other stakeholders. Intermodal transport needs to operate at high utilisation levels to compete with road and to some extent maritime transport. One of the most important operational goals is to increase the utilisation of rolling stock. The chapter also outlines the key elements of intermodal system design, based on the economics of intermodal transport and the business models through which the system is managed. Once both the features of the intermodal system and the challenges have been raised, the options available to system managers to address them are considered, such as price incentives, yield management and market segmentation.
