Standardization of Intermodal Freight Terminal

Due to the restrictions of governmental management and technological issues, different means of transport (e.g. rail, road, aviation and shipping) are always developed separately. The result is that for each kind of freight terminal there exists a unique standardization system. Such a situation has greatly hindered the efficient flow of goods in the entire transport chain. To solve the standardization issues of newly emerged "intermodal freight terminals (IFTs)", the paper first clarifies the concept of IFTs. The article then analyzes the standardization activities of IFTs in developed countries. Finally, the standardization needs of IFTs in China are identified and the specific standardization work is proposed.