Comparative Analysis of Intermodal Connectivity Regulations in the USA and Europe

Regulations of Intermodal Connectivity: USA and Europe Comparative Travis Blummer, Lily Duong, Karina Nazario, Bryan Nguyen, Triet Nguyen, Anayeli Palacio University of Houston Abstract In this paper, we will analyze intermodal connectivity in United States and Europe. Intermodal connectivity allows freight to use a combination of modes for the shipment of goods in a single trip. Historically, freight logistics markets were strictly regulated in both Europe and the United States. Policies, laws, and regulations helped protect existing firms’ position within the sectors. We will dissect the different regulations and investigate through case studies how they interact within intermodal connectivity. We will also aim to identify the components of the intermodal system and analyze the significance of each of those components. The goal is to explore efficiency and effectiveness by connected roadways, rail tracks, maritime ports, and air freight. We will resource measurements of data from which regulations benefit or hinder the surrounding perspective regions. Our group will incorporate references from online books, journals, case studies and segments from different academic papers. Introduction The economies of the United States of America and Europe heavily rely on transportation services. Since the pre-industrial era, significant changes in freight handling and movement have been brought about by variations in the volume and make-up of cargo transported over great distances in both domestic and international markets. Intermodal transportation, a foundational element of today's global trade and American economy, was conceptualized in response to the rising demand for transportation services. The distribution of commodities packaged into a loading unit, such as a container, from the manufacturer to the customer or market is known as intermodal transportation. To increase the effectiveness of the distribution of commodities, it tries to integrate many means of transportation. Since the creation of rail networks, it has historically evolved steadily. During this evolution regulations were implemented in response to enhance intermodal linkages in both countries. Europe's efforts to unify the market and lower obstacles between the member states depend heavily on a well-developed transportation system. One of the key documents that aid in creating a favorable climate for the fusion of transportation operations amongst European nations is the Common Transport Policy. It primarily aims to promote greater deregulation of the transportation markets, stimulate the growth of Trans-European Transport Networks, and strengthen the sustainability of networks. This and other transportation regulations put in place in Europe at the start of the twenty-first century significantly improve market access, notably in the road transport market, and revitalize alternate forms of transportation. In the U.S., one of the main laws intended to encourage intermodal logistics operations in the nation is the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, which offers a framework for the creation of "a National Intermodal System that shall consist of all forms of transportation in a unified, interconnected manner." The given regulation had several significant effects, including more adaptable intermodal funding options, the development of shared public-private investments, facilitated market access, and increased competition among shippers, which also led to lower transaction costs associated with transportation. These are just an example of the regulations placed, however some of these regulations implemented in the USA and Europe made it more challenging for the intermodal transportation to develop due to organizations having to adhere to rigorous guidelines. In this essay we will further explore more of the regulations implemented in the United States and Europe and further explain how it made the development on intermodal connectivity more challenging or how they were implemented to improve freight flow efficiency and were used to address transportation issues. After this introduction, the paper will be divided into four primary sections, in the first we examine The United States regulations and their effectiveness. The second part will be Europe's regulations and their effectiveness. Third will be the comparison between the USA and Europe. And lastly, contrasting between intermodal regulations in USA and Europe. USA Regulations The American Charter, which lays down the principles for the national system of the USA, in addition to several civil freedoms, represents the most significant level of defined and informal forms of legislation. The Charter provides the parameters of national rules, which consist of the laws of Congress, treaties passed by the Senate, executive branch regulations, and national court precedent. The formal collection and compilation of broad and enduring national legislation are U.S laws. Many laws and regulations have been formed due to their significance. First, the ADA or American Disability Act is one such which protects the rights of disabled people in the country. Secondly, there are various environmental protection laws, regarding air pollution and various ot