Inline terminal, hub and distribution system

Abstract

The present invention provides an inline terminal, hub and distribution system. It comprises the steps of: transporting (102) a container to an inbound dock of a distribution center; emptying (104) the contents of the container in proximity to the inbound dock; sorting (106) the contents of the container; loading (108) an outbound container at an outbound dock of the distribution center; transporting (110) the outbound container to a track side location; loading (112) the outbound container onto a railroad car for transportation to a desired location.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to transportation and logistics systems, and more particularly to an Inline Terminal, Hub and Distribution system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Freight transport continues to grow at a rapid pace, especially in the heavy-rail sector. Severe bottlenecks are seen in existing rail transfer terminals, which result in freight delays. Most such terminals have little or no right-of-way available for terminal expansion. Inefficiencies associated with moving containers from terminal to terminal by truck, to transfer between long-distance rail carriers (corridors), introduce significant delays, costs and inefficiencies. Further, truck activity on urban and suburban freeways cause increased fuel consumption and pollution emissions.[0003]In connection with transportation logistics, market forces are driving the development of new technologies to improve the efficiency of freight transfer operations at rail terminals. A rail ThruPort, which i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a new system for improving the efficiency of freight transfer operations at rail terminals. It is designed to reduce delays, congestion, and pollution emissions by using a rail Thruport and an integrated distribution hub center with a strip-mall configuration located on a rail intermodel property directly adjacent to a ramp operation for receiving or shipping cargo by rail in lieu of truck trailers. The system includes an Inline Terminal, Hub, and Distribution System that uses an overhead crane for most necessary functions and is flexible to accommodate new requirements or unforeseen events. The technical effects of this invention include improved utilization of available space, improved efficiency of freight transfer operations, and reduced costs associated with distribution and handling."

Problems solved by technology

Severe bottlenecks are seen in existing rail transfer terminals, which result in freight delays.

Most such terminals have little or no right-of-way available for terminal expansion.

Inefficiencies associated with moving containers from terminal to terminal by truck, to transfer between long-distance rail carriers (corridors), introduce significant delays, costs and inefficiencies.

Further, truck activity on urban and suburban freeways cause increased fuel consumption and pollution emissions.

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