U28: Longer Combination Vehicle's Impact on Improving Operational Efficiency, Freight Flows and Traffic Congestion

摘要

Longer Combination Vehicles (LCVs) are able to carry more freight than conventional single trailer trucks. As a result, these trucks can increase efficiencies and benefits for freight movements as less fuel and less labor is used per ton of cargo. However, LCVs are allowed in only 19 U.S. states primarily due to concerns over safety and infrastructure costs. This study investigates these concerns, performs a Cost-Benefit Analysis of operating LCVs, talks to private and public sector experts regarding their use, and completes a public survey to gauge the publics perception of the use of LCVs in terms of both their concerns and the publics prioritization of the potential benefits of using LCVs. Overall, this study finds there are sufficient benefits to consider the expansion of LCV operations. The per vehicle mile benefit ranges from $0.32 to $0.61 in 2011 dollars.