A FRAMEWORK EFFICIENCY MODEL FOR GOODS TRANSPORTATION, WITH AN APPLICATION TO REGIONAL LESS-THAN-TRUCKLOAD DISTRIBUTION. IN: TRANSPORT LOGISTICS

This paper examines the efficiency of freight transportation. It first establishes the theoretical optimum and then analyzes the ways in which actual transportation system deviates from this ideal. A general framework efficiency model is presented, followed by a specific efficiency model for regional road-based distribution/collection link for goods moved over long distances. The paper then presents expert opinion on the current level of inefficiency, its variability, and potential improvement. The results of the study show that a theoretical starting point for an overall physical efficiency model of freight transportation can be found based on a full range of partial efficiencies. The empirical results have identified several aspects of regional less than truckload distribution/collection as having a low average efficiency and/or a high coefficient of variation, combined with a good potential for improvement; in particular business time, driving time, back haul factor, actual trip execution, floor space utilization, and actual loading execution.