Market area of rail–truck terminals: Pertinence of the spatial theory

The comparison of transport modes cannot neglect space or location. Road and rail networks differ greatly from each other in the number of access points; the choice of one mode over another thus depends on shippers' location in relation to these points. For freight, a spatial theory allows us to compare road and rail–truck intermodal transport. By tracing the market area of rail terminals, the theory defines the zones for which each mode is the most competitive. It shows which factors guarantee profitability for intermodal transport. The market area of a number of existing terminals was set up by questioning carriers. The results confirm our theoretical conclusions, notably the effect that the location relative to the terminal, the rail line-haul direction, and the length of the rail line-haul have on the size of the intermodal rail terminal's market area.