MPC
Research Projects (2009-10)

Identifying Number

MPC-337

Project Title

Analysis of Freight Railroad Fuel Efficiency with Comparisons to Waterway and Truck Transportation

University

North Dakota State University

Project Investigators

Denver Tolliver, Doug Benson, Pan Lu

Description of Project Abstract

The fuel efficiency of freight transportation is a critical component of the national transportation system and the nation's economic vitality. Transportation fuel efficiencies impact the cost of moving freight throughout the economy and influence the selection of modes. Additionally, freight fuel efficiency is essential to environmental policy. Given the volatility of fuel prices and the recent history of price spikes, fuel efficiency is an important and timely topic in freight transportation management and intermodal policy.

While there are many models and data available for energy/environmental analysis, much of the information about freight modes is of an aggregate nature (e.g., industry-wide statistics). Historically, comparisons between railway, waterway, and truck have been based on system or industry averages. For example, the average revenue ton-miles per gallon for all freight trains have been compared to the waterway system average revenue ton-miles per gallon. Although useful, these comparisons obscure important underlying differences in the fuel efficiencies of different types of movements (e.g., unit train vs. individual carload), commodities, and routes or segments (e.g., different river segments). The primary objective of this project is to expand the scope and depth of information available by examining railroad fuel efficiency in depth. In doing so, comparisons are made to truck and waterway transportation. Several methodologies are used and illustrated including: (1) analytical methods (e.g., vehicle resistance) and (2) statistical modeling.

Project Objectives

The specific objectives of this project are to: (1) provide the capability for more specific modal comparisons, (2) provide current fuel efficiency metrics comparing three major modes of freight transportation, (3) assess the application of these metrics to a comparative analysis, (4) report current trends in freight fuel efficiency, (5) develop a statistical model of railroad fuel consumption, (6) examine the application and the validity of the railroad fuel model, (7) perform modal fuel efficiency comparisons, and (8) address and discuss potential improvements to fuel efficiency performance measurement.

Project Approach/Methods

Three methods of comparing modal fuel efficiencies will be illustrated and discussed. The first is the use of industry-wide comparative measures including benchmark averages of freight and distance moved per unit of fuel consumption. An example is the revenue ton-miles per gallon metric. A second comparative method focuses on the fuel efficiencies of specific freight movements. The use of train resistance equations and other simulation procedures are investigated for analyzing specific types of commodities and movements. The third method of comparison is the service or segment level.

A new statistical model of railroad fuel efficiency will be developed which accounts for fuel usage in all aspects of operation, not just in freight train movements. A regression model will be estimated from 11 years of data derived from R-1 reports submitted by Class I railroads to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board from 1997 through 2007. Each year, Class I railroads report the gallons of fuel consumed in providing freight services (both train and yard services) and the ton-miles of operation. Ton-miles are reported for three types of trains: way, through, and unit. A multiple regression model will be estimated in which the dependent variable is gallons of fuel and the main independent variables are way, through, and unit train ton-miles. This approach seeks to provide railroad fuel performance measures that are much less aggregated than industry-wide benchmark averages, yet avoid the sensitivity issues simulation methods have with small variations in input parameters.

MPC Critical Issues Addressed by the Research

#14) Multimodal Policy and Investment Assessments
#18) Economic Analysis of Investments and Impacts

Contributions/Potential Applications of Research

This project improves the capability for specific modal fuel efficiency comparisons, an important contribution considering current fuel price volatility. Moreover, the discussion and illustration of fuel efficiency comparative methods and metrics provide a useful analytical framework for transportation policy makers.

Technology Transfer Activities

This project will produce several new models and updated fuel efficiency factors that can be used in policy analysis, including: (1) A model of unit train and non-unit train movements that can be applied to a wide variety of movements and commodities. (2) Segment specific waterway fuel efficiency factors and trends. (3) Updated truck fuel efficiencies for longer configuration vehicles and semi-trailer trucks. (4) Applied resistance equations and methods.

Time Duration

July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010

Total Project Cost

$177,798.00

MPC Funds Requested

$88,500.00

TRB Keywords

Fuel efficiency, freight transportation, national transportation system, freight, fuel prices, intermodal, truck, waterway