Container-on-Barge Pre-Feasibility Study Final Report - Towmasters ...

IWICP Priorities
The IWICP group first identified 28 problem areas for the IWTS and then whittled them down to
four priorities that were particularly problematic for converting our system into an intermodal
network. The four priorities were:
1. Lack of knowledge in the U.S. about the successful COB operations elsewhere;
2. Lack of good data to develop waterway-intermodal marketing programs;
3. Lack of a one-stop marketing clearinghouse to provide information to potential
shippers; and,
4. Lack of outreach to partner with third party logistic providers and freight forwarders.
IWICP Working Plan
While these are complex problems that will eventually require multiple strategies, the IWICP
decided as first steps to:
1. Disseminate information on successful COB models and requirements.
2. Work with the U.S. DOT’s Freight Analysis Framework Project to determine its
utility for waterway contestable freight movements.
3. Support enhancements to the PPC’s “SmartBarge” as a starting place for a common
electronic marketing platform for the waterways. The PPC is willing to work with
MARAD to make this an industry standard.
4. Continue discussions with COB service providers, such as Osprey Line and other
intermodal logistics companies, to determine requirements to work with 3PLs and
other waterway related organizations in that effort.