Regulation refers to the process of setting rules and standards that govern the behavior of individuals, businesses, or industries within a society (Gharehgozli et al., 2019). Deregulation refers to the process of reducing or eliminating government regulations in a particular industry or sector (Gharehgozli et al., 2019). In the context of intermodal transportation, regulation and deregulation can impact the way that different modes of transportation, such as rail, road, and water, are used and coordinated. In this essay, I agree that the US government should be the catalyst for innovations in intermodal transportation.
One example of regulation in intermodal transportation is the role of government in setting safety standards for transportation modes. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets safety standards for commercial aviation, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets safety standards for commercial trucking (Gharehgozli et al., 2019). These regulations help to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo, as well as the overall transportation system.
Another example of regulation in intermodal transportation is the role of government in setting environmental standards for transportation modes. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets emissions standards for vehicles, which can impact the use of different modes of transportation (Shin et al., 2018). In addition, government agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) may provide funding for intermodal transportation projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality (Shin et al., 2018).
Deregulation, on the other hand, can have both positive and negative impacts on intermodal transportation. On the positive side, deregulation can lead to increased competition and innovation within the transportation industry, as companies are able to enter new markets and offer new services without being subject to government regulations. This can lead to lower prices and better service for consumers (Shin et al., 2018). On the negative side, deregulation can also lead to increased safety risks, as well as environmental and social impacts, if companies are not held to the same standards as they were previously.
The role of government in fostering intermodal transport innovations can be significant, as government agencies often provide funding and support for research and development in this area. For example, the DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) has a program called the Intermodal Freight Technology Deployment Program, which aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative technologies in the intermodal transportation industry (Shin et al., 2018). In addition, government agencies may also provide funding for infrastructure projects that support intermodal transportation, such as upgrading rail yards or building new intermodal facilities.
In a rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial that the US has a strong and innovative intermodal transportation system in order to remain competitive and meet the needs of its citizens. One reason why the US government should be the catalyst for innovations in intermodal transportation is that it has the resources and expertise to support research and development in this area (Shin et al., 2018). Government agencies such as the DOT and the FTA have the financial and logistical resources to fund research projects and pilot programs that can help to identify and test new technologies and approaches to intermodal transportation.
In addition, these agencies have the expertise and knowledge to identify areas where innovation is needed and to develop strategies to support it. For example, the development of nuclear power in the United States has been largely led by the government since the early 20th century (Shin et al., 2018). The US government has played a significant role in supporting and regulating the nuclear power industry and has also been involved in the development of nuclear technology for military purposes. One of the earliest examples of government involvement in the development of nuclear power was the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1946 (Tamannaei et al., 2021). The AEC was responsible for the regulation and development of nuclear technology for both civilian and military purposes, and it played a key role in the early growth of the nuclear power industry in the United States.
Another reason why the US government should be the involved in innovations in intermodal transportation is that it can provide a stable and predictable regulatory environment that encourages innovation. By setting clear rules and standards for the transportation industry, the government can create a level playing field that allows companies to focus on innovation rather than navigating complex and changing regulations (Gharehgozli et al., 2019). In addition, the government can provide funding and other forms of support to help companies bring new technologies and approaches to market, which can be especially important for small and medium-sized enterprises that may not have the resources to do so on their own.
Finally, the US government needs to be part of the intermodal transportation because it has a responsibility to ensure that the transportation system meets the needs of its citizens and contributes to the overall well-being of the country (Cannas et al., 2020). This includes ensuring that the transportation system is safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable. By investing in and supporting innovative approaches to intermodal transportation, the government can help to meet these goals and build a transportation system that meets the needs of the 21st century.
In conclusion, I believe that the role of the US government in intermodal transportation should be crucial to facilitate the development of the industry. Through its resources, expertise, and regulatory authority, the government has the ability to support and encourage innovation in this vital industry. By doing so, it can help to build a transportation system that is efficient, safe, and sustainable, and that meets the needs of the country and its citizens.
References
Gharehgozli, A., de Vries, H., & Decrauw, S. (2019). The role of standardisation in European intermodal transportation. Maritime Business Review.
Cannas, V. G., Ciccullo, F., Pero, M., & Cigolini, R. (2020). Sustainable innovation in the dairy supply chain: enabling factors for intermodal transportation. International journal of production research, 58(24), 7314-7333.
Shin, S., Roh, H. S., & Hur, S. H. (2018). Technical trends related to intermodal automated freight transport systems (AFTS). The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 34(2), 161-169. Web.
Tamannaei, M., Zarei, H., & Rasti-Barzoki, M. (2021). A game theoretic approach to sustainable freight transportation: Competition between road and intermodal road–rail systems with government intervention. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 153, 272-295. Web.