Freight Logistics - China Scan

China is recognized as a world leader in preparing for the projected global intermodal freight demands of the 21st Century. The purpose of the Freight Logistics - China scan, conducted under the International Technology Scanning Program, was to examine how intermodal connectivity, physical layout, and operational solutions are being built into China's transportation systems and how these solutions could potentially be applied to the existing U.S. transportation system. During the period of September 7-22, 2007, the U.S. scan team met with experts and facility administrators to gain a better understanding of current initiatives, policies, and issues related to the following topics:

• Successful examples of intermodal facility development and modal integration, including location decisions.
• How modal investment decisions are evaluated.
• How freight and passenger traffic are addressed on mixed corridors.
• Knowledge of freight transportation system footprints for systems designed to maximize gateway fluidity and continental connectivity.
• Knowledge of data, data collection techniques, and performance metrics used in planning and performance evaluation.
• Institutional arrangements necessary to take full advantage of modern technology.

The team was composed of representatives from FHWA, State Departments of Transportation and U.S. public sector organizations concerned with these issues.