Multiproduct Network Analysis of Freight Land Transport Between Mexico and the United States

Truck and rail freight transportation are considered as a first stage in an effort to analyze, by means of network assignment models, freight transportation operations between Mexico and the United States. A set of background information is first presented (i.e., the evolution of trade between Mexico and the United States, participation of rail and truck in this commercial exchange, and modal share between these two modes in such a trade). The assignment model that was developed to predict the freight flows in the truck and rail intermodal network for different product categories (multiproduct) is then described. Finally, values that characterize the operation of the land modes for freight transportation between Mexico and the United States are quantified. Results and analyses that were derived from the model include quantification of ton-kilometers and transportation costs for each product type, as well as assessment of the minimum-cost freight modal share between truck and rail. Some of the analyses presented are by product category (disaggregated), whereas others correspond to the aggregated demand. Most of the analyses reported herein correspond to 1996. The growth trends of the freight volumes between the two countries, together with the optimal share results obtained, are indicative of a conspicuous growth potential for the demand of rail transportation in this type of commercial exchange.