Analysis of Railway Freight Terminal Operation of Chicago Illinois
Advanced Search
Select up to three search categories and corresponding keywords using the fields to the right. Refer to the Help section for more detailed instructions.

Search our Collections & Repository

For very narrow results

When looking for a specific result

Best used for discovery & interchangable words

Recommended to be used in conjunction with other fields

Dates

to

Document Data
Library
People
Clear All
Clear All

For additional assistance using the Custom Query please check out our Help Page

ROSA P serves as an archival repository of USDOT-published products including scientific findings, journal articles, guidelines, recommendations, or other information authored or co-authored by USDOT or funded partners. As a repository, ROSA P retains documents in their original published format to ensure public access to scientific information.
i

Analysis of Railway Freight Terminal Operation of Chicago Illinois

Filetype[PDF-3.76 MB]


English
Details You May Also Like

Details:

  • Creators:
    Van Zandt, Arnold C
  • Corporate Creators:
    University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Resource Type:
    Thesis
  • Geographical Coverage:
    United States
  • Corporate Publisher:
    University of Illinois. College of Literature and Arts
  • Abstract:
    This thesis provides a comprehensive examination of the railway freight terminal operations in Chicago, Illinois, during the early 20th century—a period when Chicago was emerging as a dominant hub in North American transportation. Van Zandt explores the critical role that rail infrastructure played in sustaining the city's rapid industrial and commercial expansion. The analysis begins with an overview of Chicago’s geographical and economic growth, emphasizing how its strategic location facilitated the convergence of major trunk lines and the development of vast freight networks. The core of the thesis investigates the operational challenges and methodologies associated with interline freight interchange, the efficiency of belt railroads (particularly the Belt Railway of Chicago), and the design and function of key terminals such as the Clearing Yards. Van Zandt presents detailed case studies on major terminal operators, evaluates the impact of switching operations, and critiques the spatial limitations and inefficiencies of inner-city freight yards. He advocates for systematized outer belt lines and centralized clearinghouses to reduce congestion and streamline interline transfers. Van Zandt not only highlights the logistical complexity of terminal coordination but also anticipates future infrastructure needs as Chicago continues to grow. The work concludes by proposing infrastructure modernization and regional coordination as essential solutions for accommodating increasing freight volumes and maintaining Chicago's pivotal role in national rail transportation.
  • Format:
    PDF
  • Collection(s):
  • Main Document Checksum:
  • Download URL:
  • File Type:

Supporting Files

  • No Additional Files
More +

You May Also Like

Checkout today's featured content at rosap.ntl.bts.gov