MPC
Research Projects (2008-09)
Project Title
International Summit on Food and Agricultural Transportation
University
North Dakota State UniversityProject Investigators
Kimberly Vachal and Mark Berwick
Description of Project Abstract
Transportation is the most critical component of the supply chain processes of U.S. agriculture. Historically, trucks provide the most flexible, reliable, and cost-effective transportation for relocating production to intermediary processing and final consumer markets. National freight statistics provide evidence of increasing truck traffic volumes associated with our growing economy. The U.S Department of Transportation reports that trucks accounted for 32 percent of national freight in ton miles and 64 percent of commercial freight in value. The ton-mile traffic levels represent a 55 percent increase in volume compared to 1993 (U.S. DOT, 2006). This trend is also evident in agricultural goods and inputs, which account for about 23 percent of this commercial freight by measured in tonnage and 31 percent considering ton-miles (American Association of Trucking, 2006). Trucks are the primary mode for transport of perishable agricultural goods including fresh fruits and vegetables, and meats, to consumer markets; as well as intermediary products, such as livestock and poultry, that require special handling and equipment.
The importance of trucks to the agricultural industry is further quantified in research published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Statistics show that trucks account for over 90 percent of the movement of fresh fruits and vegetables to market, and 95 percent of the livestock. Virtually all dairy products are moved via truck. In addition, trucks transported an average 50 percent of bulk grain shipments between 2000 and 2004, compared to 40 percent between 1990 and 1994.
Increasing pressures of global competition, rising energy prices in the world market, and looming capacity issues in our nation’s transportation system are some underlying market forces that continually affect operators and investments in agricultural trucking. Considering the growing reliance of U.S. agriculture on trucks in marketing their goods, it is important to be proactive in addressing issues to enhance the environment for the trucking industry to remain an economical and efficient mode of transportation for U.S. agriculture. The proposed conference will provide a venue for industry and public interest groups specifically interested in the role of trucking in the agricultural industry. It will encourage participants to discuss priority issues and bring forth ideas to strengthen the ability of the commercial truck industry as a partner in the future success of U.S. agriculture.
The trucking industry is a diverse and highly competitive industry with a broad spectrum of services, operations, markets, and interests. Although many issues are cross-cutting, within the agricultural trucking sector these have been identified as critical:
- Security and safety issues associated with trucks and their operators
- Implications of farm, transportation, and energy policy changes for domestic agricultural processing and transportation providers serving production agriculture
- Transport and logistics priorities for produce, organic, and other high-value agricultural markets
- Role of energy costs and environmental issues in the trucking industry
- HazMat transportation issues in supplying U.S. production agriculture
- Issues associated with driver recruitment, training, and retention
- Multimodal innovations and cooperation in agricultural and food shipping
These issues provide focus in identifying partners, and for developing an appropriate forum and venue for the proposed agricultural trucking conference.
Project Objective
The goal of this project is to continue a forum for the presentation of ideas and an exchange of knowledge regarding agricultural trucking issues among a diverse audience to include industry, policy makers, academia, and public sector entities. The first conference, which was held in April 2007, was a success in attracting a range of participants from the private and public sectors. Approximately 175 individuals participated in the event. The event will be developed in cooperation with the trucking sector and the agricultural industry. An overarching theme for the conference is proposed as “Competitive Agricultural and Food Truck Transport for Moving Forward,” with focus given to the critical issues in the context of a new Farm Bill and the pending Surface Transportation Legislation that will be well into development by next spring. A final theme, critical issues, and specific sessions will be defined in cooperation with industry partners. Given the important role the truck sector plays in U.S. agriculture, the event will continue to offer venue for to encourage proactive and coordinated efforts that contribute to an efficient and effective truck transport.
Project Approach/Methods
Conference
Contributions/Potential Applications of Research
Discussions among researchers, policy makers, and practitioners will offer insight for each of these groups in prioritizing activities, defining strategies, setting agendas, and pooling resources for effective and efficient agricultural truck transport.
Technology Transfer Activities
Expert Testimony and Presentations available via Electronic Access
Ideas Exchange
Issues Exposure
Identify Research Needs
Project Duration
July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009
Total Project Cost
$75,070
MPC Funds Requested
$35,035
References
