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Models of freight loss and damage

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6765976

This paper reports on the development of models useful in estimating the extent of freight loss and damage (L/D) on a mode-specific, commodity abstract basis. National level claims data from ICC and carrier-organization reports are used to derive tonnage L/D estimates, using value/ton information. These amounts are then converted to percentages, using national commodity flow estimates from the U.S. Census of Transportation, Commodity Transportation Survey. Using regression analysis, models are estimated which relate these L/D percentages to commodity attributes, such as value/pound, density, special handling requirements, shelf life, and state (solid, liquid, gas, particulate). The resulting models can be used to provide L/D estimates for a given commodity and transport mode. L/D elasticities with respect to commodity attributes are provided, and intermodal comparisons on this basis are presented.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge (USA). Center for Transportation Studies
OSTI ID:
6765976
Report Number(s):
CTS-76-6
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English