Modeling ocean, rail, and truck transportation flows to support policy analysis

Journal Article · 05 July 2018 · Maritime Economics & Logistics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41278-018-0108-x · OSTI ID:1459989

Wang, Hao ^[1]; Nozick, Linda Karen ^[1]; Xu, Ningxiong ^[1]; Gearhart, Jared Lee ^[2]

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1. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States). School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Freight transportation represents about 9.5% of GDP in the U.S., it is responsible for about 8% of greenhouse gas emissions, and supports the import and export of about 3.6 trillion in international trade. It is therefore important that the national freight transportation system is designed and operated efficiently. Hence, this paper develops a mathematical model to estimate international and domestic freight flows across ocean, rail, and truck modes, which can be used to study the impacts of changes in our infrastructure, as well as the imposition of new user fees and changes in operating policies. The model integrates a user equilibrium-based logit argument for path selection with a system optimal argument for rail network operations. This leads to the development of a unique solution procedure that is demonstrated in a large-scale analysis focused on all intercity freight and U.S export/import containerized freight. The model results are compared with the reported flow volumes. Here, the model is applied to two case studies: a disruption of the seaports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (LA and LB) similar to the impacts that would be felt in an earthquake; and implementation of new user fees at the California ports.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DHS; USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1459989
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 1478218
• Report Number(s): SAND2018-5207J; {"Journal ID: ISSN 1479-2931",663159}
• Journal Information: Maritime Economics & Logistics, Journal Name: Maritime Economics & Logistics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 20; ISSN 1479-2931
• Publisher: SpringerCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English