One of the most interesting attributes of freight distribution networks is the
inclusion of nodes that take up an ‘‘intermediacy’’ function. These nodes rely on
traffic flows that are distantly generated by the interaction of widely separated
places, and are dependent on the node’s en-route location or intermediacy
(Fleming and Hayuth 1994). An intermediate location can imply a location near
the main maritime and land routes and/or near production and consumption centers.
A good location is a necessary condition for attaining a high intrinsic
accessibility. It becomes a sufficient condition when the favorable geographical
location is valorized by means of the provision of efficient infrastructures and
transport services (Notteboom and Rodrigue 2007). In this chapter, the intermediacy
of transport nodes in North America and Europe is compared over two areas:
container shipping and intermodal rail transport.