Abstract:
This study was undertaken to gather empirical data on the
transportation practices of manufacturers, processors, and carriers
in the Willamette Basin. Emphasis was placed on determining
the adequacies of current transport facilities and the direction of
future needs.
Specific objectives were: (1) To identify the transportation
practices of manufacturers and processors in terms of major industry
groups by consumer market areas; (2) To establish the nature of
the restrictions, if any, imposed on manufacturers or processors
in the Willamette Basin in terms of export markets; (3) To establish
a basic inventory of carrier facilities in the Willamette Basin and
identify carrier deficiencies; (4) To project future transportation
needs and patterns in the Wi11amette Basin; (5) To specifically determine
the possible future role of the Willamette River in the development
of a Willamette Basin transportation complex. The shipping practices of manufacturers and processors
were studied to determine the relationship of transport practices
to markets served. This required the development of data on primary
markets by basic industry groups and by transport media used
to reach these markets. Additionally the question of institutional.
and organizational inefficiencies were distinguished from the problems
of geographical locations of markets.
An enumeration was made of carrier facilites in the Willamette
Basin which revealed the magnitude of air passenger and freight
operations, the usage of private and common carrier motor transport
and the rail services available to Willamette Basin shippers. Results
indicated the general absence of institutional and organizational inefficiencies
in the existing transport sector.
An analysis of the potential for development of the Willamette
River indicated that transport and handling costs of industrial traffic
on the Willamette River would exceed the costs of land transport even
on the longest hauls.
Fragmentary evidence indicated a possible future restriction
may develop in terminal handling facilities, particularly facilities
permitting intermodal transfers. Thus the hypothesis was advanced
that investments in the development of terminal facilities might play
a major role in the future development of the Willamette Basin's
industrial development.
