00349085

Component

http://onlinepubs.trb.org...s/trr/1981/824/824-002.pdf

https://scholar.google.co...tman&publication_year=1981

Barge transportation is the most fuel-efficient method of moving the raw materials and semifinished products needed by the nation's economy. This study reviews the record of extensive research on this vital issue and provides findings that lend new perspective to energy efficiency in transportation. A number of studies of fuel efficiency have been sponsored over the past several years by the U.S. Departments of Transportation and of Energy. These studies show that shallow-draft water transportation consumes considerably less energy in producing equivalent freight transportation than do alternative modes. Even when circuity (the lack of straight-line water routes between cities) is taken into account, the energy efficiency of the barge and towing industry is superior. The analytical findings are confirmed by a survey of barge operators and reinforced by specific examples--grain movements from Minneapolis to the Gulf Coast and a total of 25 million tons in coal movements to steam-generating plants of the Tennessee Valley Authority. All bulk-transport modes make significant contributions to the nation's distribution system in a highly fuel-efficient manner. Any transportation energy policy must recognize and promote the use of the inherent advantages of all the fuel-efficient modes of transportation. (Author)

Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on State Role in Waterborne Transportation. 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

01411632

p. 7-13

1981

Transportation Research Record

60th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board

0309032660

Figures (3) ; Maps (2) ; References (22) ; Tables (5)

Barges; Coal; Freight transportation; Fuel consumption; Grain; Water transportation

Economics; Energy; Freight Transportation; Highways; Marine Transportation; Society; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs

TRIS, TRB

Jun 30 1982 12:00AM

• IMPACTS OF PROPOSED TRANSSHIPMENT FACILITY ON PRICE OF DELIVERED COAL IN NEW YORK
• PHYSICAL AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF FERRY VESSELS
• RAILROAD RATE DEREGULATION: EFFECTS ON CORN AND SOYBEAN SHIPMENTS
• ROLE OF WATERBORNE TRANSPORTATION IN URBAN TRANSIT
• TRANSPORTATION OF COAL TO SEAPORTS VIA MID-AMERICA INLAND WATERWAY SYSTEM
• WATERBORNE ACCESS TO GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA AND OTHER WATERFRONT RECREATION AREAS BY PASSENGER BARGE-TUGBOAT COMBINATIONS