Freight management

Freight terminals represent a major problem in the transportation industry´s ability to provide good freight service. Terminal control systems utilizing computers and detection devices are being developed in order to improve the efficiency of terminal operations. Motor carrier and air freight terminals utilize cathode ray tube devices to transfer data to and from a central computer or other freight terminals. The larger rail and marine terminal utilize minicomputer controlled systems which often incorporate automatic car identification scanners. Three significant terminal systems are being, or have recently been, developed: a Chicago area rail terminal information system; an intermodal railroad piggyback terminal control system; and a marine terminal control system. In addition to providing operational control, terminal control systems provide management with statistical analysis capabilities unattainable in the past. Chief among these is performance measurement which further improves the efficiency of terminal operations.