SBIR-STTR Award

This project will assess the feasibility of advanced destination choices, mode choice, and route choice freight models for MPO and state DOTs. Approaches including standard four-step procedures, synthesized trip table/network assignment, commodity flow analysis, and simulations will be examined. Separate destination choice and mode choice components for intra-regional and inter-regional trips will be developed. For inter-regional trips, a commodity flow approach is the most likely option. For intra-regional trips we will examine a number of alternatives including standard gravity models with highly refined trip types or distribution chain probability matrices. Trip table synthesis techniques will also be examined. A mode choice approach will be examined using commodity flow data and data from TIUS to develop a disaggregate-style model using aggregate data. For route choice, we will investigate private sector routing models and simulation models along with the more traditional assignment processes used in standard four-step models. The team includes expert consultants in private sector logistics and urban transportation modeling to ensure that state-of-the-art techniques are used. The project will also convene a workshop of MPOs with freight modeling experience to provide input in the model development process.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Results: Phase Iwill produce a feasible conceptual design of modeling tools to be fully developed in Phase II. The models will be used by MPOs and state DOTs in RFP development, TIP project selection, corridor studies, major investment studies, conformity analysis, and various policy applications.Key Words: Freight, Transportation, Modeling

This project would design a modular suite of freight modeling tools for use by metropolitan planning organizations. The project will produce the following products: Destination Choice Module - Goods movement is modeled based on commodity flow information and input-output modeling techniques that link producers of goods and consumers of goods. Explicit consideration of goods movement through warehouses is included. Tripled generation and triple distribution for non-goods movement. Trips is modeled using triple rates and gravity models. Mode Choice Scenario Analyzer: this module allows the user to consider how changes in freight markets affect the traffic volumes. The module includes data on markets in which different to freight modes compete based on consideration factors such as commodity, length of haul and the specific freight corridor. The mode choice scenario analyzer also includes a simple set off elasticity data to determine the effects of freight costs/transit time on modal competition. Procedures for Truck Network Assignment: the freight modeling tools will be designed to interface with regional travel demand models during network assignment. Procedures will instruct the modeled in how to modify the network to reflect truck operating constraints, how to develop time of day factors, and how to use PCE values. Anticipated results and potential commercial application of results: A suite of modeling tools for use by MPO's and state DOTs in RTP development. TIP project selection, corridor studies, major investment studies, conformity analysis and various policy applications.

Keywords:
freight transportation; transportation modeling.