TRB Pubsindex
Text Size:
x

« Prev Next »

Return to Results | New Search

Bookmark and Share

Title:

LIMITED TRUCKTRAIN: A CONCEPT FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION AND TRUCK PRODUCTIVITY

Accession Number:

00371336

Record Type:

Component

Availability:

Find a library where document is available


Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309033748

Abstract:

The widespread use of turnpike double and western triple trucks constrained to operate only on the Interstate system offers the potential not only for a reduction in U.S. diesel fuel consumption but also for a major increase in trucking productivity. This option is based on two 40- or 45-ft trailers (doubles) or two 27- to 30-ft trailers (triples) with axle weights maintained at the present 20000-lb single/34000-lb tandem level. Under this approach, the Interstate would be modified to provide for adequate access to truck stops and to provide parking areas or "corrals" where doubles and triples would be made up for intercity movement and disassembled for city delivery. Two scenarios are evaluated for their potential in fuel savings. Fuel improvements are estimated to be about 22 percent. A turnpike double offers nearly the same energy intensity as conventional trailer-on-flatcar unit trains traveling at similar speeds. Potential productivity improvements in trucking are so substantial that the industry may have to consider changes in its mode of operation. Under this scheme, about 500 trucks can do the job of 900, resulting in a reduction of drivers and capital equipment. The road stress as expressed in terms of equivalent axle load is slightly below that for single trucks moving the same freight. For the investment in road alterations and tractor upgrading, fuel savings equivalent to $15000 to $40000/bbl/day are realized (oil shale plants require an investment of about $35000/bbl/day). Considering the reduced number of drivers and tractors, dollar savings much greater than the fuel cost are achieved. The overall benefit/cost ratio exceeds 10 for a nominal road rehabilitation cost factor, which makes trucktrain a very attractive option. Negative factors concern highway safety and the potentially severe impact on the railroads. (Author)

Supplemental Notes:

Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Energy Conservation and Transportation Demand. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Monograph Accession #:

00380410

Report/Paper Numbers:

HS-035 233

Corporate Authors:

Transportation Research Board

500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 United States

Authors:

Whitford, Robert K

Pagination:

pp 37-41

Publication Date:

1982

Serial:

Transportation Research Record

Issue Number: 870
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISSN: 0361-1981

Conference:

61st Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board

Location: Washington District of Columbia, United States
Date: 1982-1-18 to 1982-1-22

ISBN:

0309033748

Media Type:

Print

Features:

Figures (2) ; References (16) ; Tables (4)

Identifier Terms:

Interstate Highway System

Subject Areas:

Economics; Energy; Environment; Freight Transportation; Highways; Law; Motor Carriers; Planning and Forecasting; I10: Economics and Administration

Files:

HSL, TRIS, TRB

Created Date:

Mar 31 1983 12:00AM

More Articles from this Serial Issue: