A bi-objective model for planning and managing rail-truck intermodal transportation of hazardous materials

We propose a bi-objective optimization framework for routing rail-truck intermodal shipments with hazardous materials, when shippers and receivers have access to alternate intermodal terminals. A tabu-search based solution methodology is developed, which together with the optimization framework is applied to realistic size problem instances to gain managerial insights. Our analysis indicates that drayage accounts for a significant portion of transport risk and that it can be reduced by scheduling direct and faster trains; and, that the mix of intermodal trains depends on the interest of the decision-makers, where the resulting traffic can facilitate planning emergency response systems.

► Framework for routing intermodal shipments of hazardous materials is proposed. ► Drayage is responsible for a significant portion of intermodal transport risk. ► Scheduling direct intermodal trains and unit-trains can reduce rail-haul risk. ► Terminal throughput and the train-mix are dictated by objective being emphasized. ► Resulting traffic helps develop emergency response system and policy instruments.