Development of Freight Movements Demand Databases and Forecasting Models by Mode in Physical Units

Project summary:

This work will develop databases and related tools that can be used to search for trends in freight volumes, modes, or origins and destinations. We will review primary freight movement data sources that report in units, (i.e., tons, pounds, carload, truckloads, etc.) to determine their appropriateness for developing freight movement forecasting models and decision aids that meet MnDOT and other public and private needs. These sources include the ICC Waybill Samples, the US Army Corps of Engineers Waterborne Commerce database, MnDOT and USDOT surveys, trade and industry surveys and statistics and the 1992 US Census of Transportation. We will use these sources to develop databases and user-friendly procedures for accessing appropriate data sources in physical units for modelers and/or decision makers. These databases will be used to analyze scenarios selected by the project advisory committee. The software and databases developed will also be provided to MnDOT for use on MnDOT personal computers. This information can be used to rank infrastructure needs and investment priorities and to highlight areas where attention is needed. It will be used by planners, analysts and policy makers at MnDOT and in government and private entities in Minnesota and surrounding states who influence or determine investments in transportation infrastructure and equipment.