The logistics transportation system is critical to the United States economy. Underground Logistics Transportation (ULT) is a class of automated transportation systems in which vehicles carry freight through pipelines and tunnels between terminals. Being able to use a part of the underground space of existing highways will greatly facilitate the construction of such pipelines and tunnels and reduce their construction costs. Underground Logistics Transportation (ULT) could be the answer to make freight transport more sustainable and competitive. Texas highways and railroads are expected to increase by nearly 207% from 2003 to 2030. Truck tonnage will grow by 251%, while rail tonnage is forecasted to increase 118%. The number of trucks carrying NAFTA goods will increase by 263%, and the number of rail units will grow by 195%. This will have a profound impact on the highway and rail systems. The objective of this paper is to present requirements and operational components for three types of ULT lines: standard shipping containers, a standard crate size, and a standard pallet size. This study examines the use of ULT as a mode of underground transportation with the help of three case studies. This research shows that ULT is financially viable, feasible, greener, cost effective, and can become an important part of intermodal freight mobility.

Today, transportation of freight by trucks and vans faces congestion within most of the urbanized areas around the world, making supply chains less efficient and causing air pollution, noise, reducing traffic safety and also contributing to climate change. Underground freight transport (UFT) can be an alternative for, but also an addition to existing transport modes for freight, like road, rail and waterborne. It combines the advantages of taking the traffic movements underground and applying electrical (or linear induction) propulsion, with a lower (local) environmental burden and the economic advantages of unimpeded automated transport over a dedicated infrastructure that is separated from passenger traffic. Through the years, initiatives haven been taken to develop underground freight transport systems for different purposes in the USA, Europe and Asia. This paper describes the different initiatives, the benefits and costs and the type of applications. The paper ends with the conclusion that UFT is ready to be implemented but there are points of attention. We are dealing with a process of prolonged efforts on the part of the government and the private sector, which requires long-term commitment and high financial resources.