Analyzing log and chip truck performances in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with GPS tracking devices

Abstract

Rising fuel costs are expected to increase truck rates by 10 to 30 percent over the next two years. Many of the products shipped in this region are heavy, bulk, and raw materials such as logs that benefit from economies of scale and bulk modes of transportation. Current estimates suggest that truck log delivery systems in the region may be operating at less than 50% loaded capacity. The "empty miles" impact not only increases in truck rates but also contributes to needless production of green house gases and carbon emissions. The optimization of truck, rail and marine modes with an efficient intermodal linkage would result in the reduction of transportation costs, congestion, pavement and roadway degradation, and harmful air emissions. This is a preliminary investigation into the potential of optimizing log truck operations and establishing regional log superyards.