20090119210 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING AN INTERMODAL FACILITY - Methods and apparatus to operate an intermodal facility are disclosed. In a method described herein, a carrier enters into a contractual agreement with a separate intermodal facility owner to have exclusive use of the intermodal facility. Alternatively, a rail-to-truck and/or truck-to-rail intermodal facility owner may provide non-exclusive use to multiple railroads. In one embodiment, the contractual agreement is a contingent lease. For example, if intermodal facility use falls below a threshold, a carrier may terminate the contingent lease. Preferably, the carrier has no minimum use requirements associated with the intermodal facility. Instead, the shipper associated with the carrier is charged by the intermodal facility owner based on the amount of intermodal facility use (e.g., on a per container basis). In one preferred embodiment, a real estate developer owns the intermodal facility and builds a business park near the intermodal facility in order to capture the related business. | 05-07-2009 |