Transportation Costs Research Articles

A preliminary assessment of CO2 capture, transport, and storage network for China's steel sector

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has emerged as a promising way for achieving deep decarbonization of China's steel sector. Large-scale CCS deployment necessitates a comprehensive source-sink matching analysis to offer early engineering guidance. To address this issue, this study conducted a source-sink matching analysis of China's steel sector, assessing CO2 sources, CO2 storage capacities and costs, and CO2 pipeline layouts under three capture targets. The findings reveal an obvious spatial mismatch between CO2 sources and potential CO2 sinks for China's steel sector. CO2 sources are mainly situated in eastern China, while main CO2 storage sites are located in western China. The average unit costs of CCS under low (30%), medium (60%), and full capture (90%) targets are 83, 91, and 118 $/t CO2, respectively. In particular, as capture target increases, the CO2 transportation cost will supersede the capture cost and dominate the average CCS unit cost, owing to the construction of longer pipelines. This study recommends prioritizing CCS demonstration with steel plants in regions having suitable CO2 storage basins nearby. Moreover, future investigations should concentrate on on-site experiments of CO2 storage basins and the technology development of offshore carbon storage in China.

An evaluation of physical access barriers to COVID-19 vaccines uptake among persons with physical disabilities in western Kenya

Abstract Background Physically disabled persons continue to be discriminated, excluded and neglected based on design of structures and their location. This hampers equitable access to services and disproportionately affect them during a pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate physical access barriers to COVID-19 vaccines among persons with physical disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, (March 2020 to March 2022) in Ugenya Sub-county, Siaya County in Western Kenya. Methods The study design was cross-sectional. 108 physically disabled participants were selected using systematic sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. Results Vaccination location (χ2 = 95.480, p = 0.001), access to the vaccination room (χ2 = 84.098, p = 0.001) and mobility impaired (χ2= 16.168, p = 0.001) had statistically significant associations with uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Income levels, belief in existence of COVID-19, information from mass media and being married increased the odds of becoming vaccinated (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI 0.7–3.4), (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI 0.8-4.0) (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–4.2) and (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.9) respectively. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that transport cost and age (p = 0.001) had statistically significant associations with COVID-19 vaccine access and uptake. Those who had difficulty in movement and speaking found uptake of COVID-19 vaccine hard (p = 0.001). Conclusion Marital status, information from reliable sources, belief in existence of COVID-19 were associated with access to and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, nonpayment of transport cost increased the odds of becoming vaccinated. Therefore, mobile health teams should be put in place to reach the physically disabled who are hard-to-leave home. Additionally, reimbursement of amount spent on transportation can be adopted to boost access to healthcare services by the physically disabled persons.

A Fast Online Elastic-Spine-Based Stiffness Adjusting Mechanism for Fishlike Swimming.

Fish tunes fishtail stiffness by coordinating its tendons, muscles, and other tissues to improve swimming performance. For robotic fish, achieving a fast and online fishlike stiffness adjustment over a large-scale range is of great significance for performance improvement. This article proposes an elastic-spine-based variable stiffness robotic fish, which adopts spring steel to emulate the fish spine, and its stiffness is adjusted by tuning the effective length of the elastic spine. The stiffness can be switched in the maximum adjustable range within 0.26 s. To optimize the motion performance of robotic fish by adjusting fishtail stiffness, a Kane-based dynamic model is proposed, based on which the stiffness adjustment strategy for multistage swimming is constructed. Simulations and experiments are conducted, including performance measurements and analyses in terms of swimming speed, thrust, and so on, and online stiffness adjustment-based multistage swimming, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed variable stiffness robotic fish. The maximum speed and lowest cost of transport for robotic fish are 0.43 m/s (equivalent to 0.81 BL/s) and 7.14 J/(kg·m), respectively.

Inventory reallocation in a fashion retail network: A matheuristic approach

We consider a fashion retail network consisting of a central warehouse, owned by a fashion firm, and a fairly large number of retail stores. Some stores are owned by the firm itself, whereas others are owned by franchisees. An initial inventory allocation decision is made at the beginning of the selling season and is periodically revised. Inventory reallocation comprises both direct shipments from the warehouse to stores and lateral shipments among the stores. Besides stock availability and shipping costs, a suitable reallocation policy must take into account the probability of selling each item, some operational constraints, as well as other preference factors that define the utility of shipping an item from a node of the network to another one. Since the problem does not lend itself to the application of typical tools from inventory theory, we propose an optimization model that complements such tools. The model, given the number of nodes and SKUs, may involve about one million binary variables, and just solving the LP relaxation may take hours using state-of-the-art software. Since typical metaheuristics for combinatorial optimization do not seem a viable alternative, we propose a matheuristic approach, in which a sequence of maximum-weight matching problems is solved in order to reduce the problem and restrict the set of potential shipping pairs, with a corresponding drop in the number of decision variables. Computational results obtained on a set of real-life problem instances are discussed, showing the viability of the proposed algorithm.

Welfare effects of common ownership in an international duopoly

AbstractWe formulate an international oligopoly model in the presence of global common ownership. We theoretically investigate how common ownership affects the volume of international trade in an oligopoly market and global welfare. We find that welfare decreases (increases) with the degree of common ownership when the international transport costs are low (high), whereas common ownership reduces international trade. This conclusion remains valid in the presence of import tariffs and asymmetric common ownership share.

Utilization of Biomethane to Support Energy Security in Indonesia, Riau Province: A Case Study

As the largest global palm oil producer, Indonesia contributes 59% to the world’s palm oil supply, producing 46.9 million tons of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) in 2021. However, this extensive production poses an environmental challenge through Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), estimated at 156 million m3 annually. POME treatment facilities release Biogas, predominantly Methane (CH4) at 50%–75%, a potent Greenhouse Gas (GHG) with 21 times the global warming potential of CO2. Conversely, Methane is a key component of widely used Natural Gas. Properly treated, POME-derived biogas can be upgraded to Biomethane, a clean and carbon-negative alternative for the Natural Gas Grid or fossil fuel substitution, estimated at 1,280 MWe, equivalent to 288 MMSCFD CH4. Despite Biomethane’s potential, its utilization remains limited to self-use in Palm Oil Mills or power plants, even in Riau Province, home to Indonesia’s largest oil palm plantation. PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk survey identified potential customers in Riau willing to adopt natural gas, hindered by infrastructure and economic scale challenges. This research analyzes obstacles to biomethane business development in Indonesia, focusing on Riau Province, aiming to formulate an optimal distribution scheme and sustainable strategies. Methodologically, a mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, including literature studies, interviews, and questionnaires, informed a comprehensive analysis employing geographical, transportation cost, financial modeling, SWOT, and risk analyses. Findings suggest trucking as the optimal distribution mode for biomethane to scattered customers. Economic viability hinges on biomethane volume, necessitating stability and increased sales volume strategies. For Riau, four potential customers with a total daily demand of 11,248.93 m3 can be served affordably by selecting palm oil mills within a 76 km radius. Price and security supply considerations are crucial. This research provides insights into overcoming challenges and optimizing the biomethane business in Riau, offering a sustainable model for broader adoption in Indonesia.

Novel energy efficient in-situ bitumen upgrading technology to facilitate pipeline transportation using natural gas: Sustainability evaluation using a new hybrid approach based on fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making tool and techno-economic and life cycle assessment

An assessment of the techno-economics and life cycle impacts of a new in-situ bitumen upgrading technology using natural gas has been conducted in this study. A comparison was also made between the two other commercial technologies such as hydrogen-assisted upgrading (HAU) and dilbit production with the novel proposed methane-assisted upgrading (MAU). To determine the total capital investment (TCI), the total operating cost (TOC), and the energy consumption, a process simulation was undertaken. HAU process has the highest TCI among all the processes and the lowest TCI belongs to dilbit production. In terms of TOC, MAU has the lowest operating costs compared to other technologies. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Payback Period were calculated in three scenarios over the project's lifetime. As a result of the techno-economic analysis, the MAU process has the highest IRR and the shortest payback period for all scenarios. A comparison was also made between the proposed MAU process and other research studies. Results indicate that MAU with the total operating cost of (34.1 $/bbl. bitumen) and transportation cost of (1.1 $/bbl. Bitumen for 500 km pipeline transportation) has the best results. Based on the life cycle assessment results, it was determined that the MAU process has a lower impact on climate change, human toxicity, ecotoxicity, eutrophication potential, and resource usage than the HAU process. Finally, the sustainability index for processes was calculated using a hybrid approach based on fuzzy decision modeling, TEA, and LCA results. As compared to other commercial technologies like dilution, heating, and dilbit production, the MAU process has the highest level of sustainability.

Study on the Damage of Fiber-Reinforced Seawater Sea Sand Concrete by Freezing and Thawing of Seawater.

The use of seawater and sea sand as replacements for fresh water and river sand in the preparation of seawater and sea sand concrete can effectively address issues such as high transportation costs, extended construction periods, and resource wastage. Nevertheless, in northern coastal areas, the problem of concrete durability in the complex and changing marine environment is more prominent. Research on the durability of seawater sea sand concrete is beneficial to the widening of its application range. To investigate the impact of glass fiber (GF) and polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) with different blending methods on the seawater freeze-thaw resistance of seawater sea sand concrete (SSC), corresponding specimens were prepared, and seawater freeze-thaw cycling tests were conducted. By adopting the slow-freezing method and combining macro-structure and micro-morphology, the damage mechanism and the deterioration law of fiber-reinforced SSC under seawater freezing and thawing were investigated. The results indicate that, macroscopically, the incorporation of GF and PVA can effectively mitigate the damage to the matrix and reduce the effects of external erosive substances on the rate of strength loss, the rate of mass loss, and the relative dynamic elastic modulus. After 75 cycles, the SSC with a total volume doping of 0.3% and a blending ratio of 1:1 showed a 41.23% and 27.55% reduction in mass loss and strength loss, respectively, and a 29.9% improvement in relative dynamic elastic modulus compared with the basic group. Microscopic analysis reveals that the combined effect of freezing and expansion forces, the expansive substances generated by seawater intrusion into the interior of the matrix, and salt crystallization all weaken the bond between aggregate and mortar, leading to accelerated deterioration of the concrete. The incorporation of fibers enables the matrix to become denser and improves its crack-resistant properties, resulting in a better durability than that of the basic group. The damage prediction model established by the NSGM(1,N) model of gray system theory exhibits high accuracy and is suitable for long-term prediction, accurately predicting the damage of seawater sea sand concrete under seawater freeze-thaw coupling.

Evaluating the cost-emissions trade-offs of a modal shift in intermodal and synchromodal transportation planning

Abstract Accepted by: Aris Syntetos Intermodal transportation planning combines road with more sustainable transportation modes to encourage a modal shift. To evaluate the impact of a modal shift on transportation cost and emissions, we propose an intermodal transportation planning model to provide transparency in the cost-emissions trade-off. The model incorporates minimum load requirements, time windows, freight consolidation and stochastic travel times to generate alternative transportation options. It also includes order consolidation to facilitate the utilization of transportation modes that would otherwise be infeasible due to, for instance, minimum load requirements. We also propose a synchromodal planning tool to evaluate re-planning and re-consolidation options in response to disruptions. We numerically illustrate the working of our model using a representative network setting and quantify the trade-offs concerning costs and emissions by evaluating different transportation route options.

Study on the Location of Cold Chain Distribution Center Considering Scale Effect

 People are paying more attention to the freshness of cold chain products when making choices. Establishing cold chain distribution centers can improve the timeliness and service quality of cold chain logistics. Cold chain distribution centers require significant investment, necessitating a more scientific approach to site selection. Furthermore, compared to regular distribution centers, cold chain distribution centers exhibit clear economies of scale, thus necessitating careful consideration of these economies of scale during site selection and construction. The paper analyzes the scale effect of the cold chain distribution center, and constructs a cold chain distribution center location model considering the scale effect. The objective function of the model includes the related costs of the cold chain distribution center location, such as fixed cost, operating cost, transportation cost, loss cost and carbon emission cost, etc., with the minimum total cost as the function objective. Finally, this paper designs a calculation example design. The model calculation example is solved by Lingo software, and the optimal location plan of the cold chain distribution center is obtained. The calculation example results verify the effectiveness of the model.

Empirical and simulated investigation of the solid waste reverse supply chain: A complex adaptive system perspective

Solid waste is increasing rapidly worldwide. In this study, the solid waste (household waste, construction and demolition waste and industrial waste) management systems are treated as reverse supply chain to analyze the critical operational issues based on complex adaptive system theory. At the single-layer, the complexity of the various nodes at a layer arises from rational decision-making and behavioral heterogeneity. The solid waste generation layer is employed as an example to investigate the complexity of node behavioral decisions. Regression analysis results reveal that both endogenous (Attitude, Subjective norm, and Perceived behavioral control) and exogenous factors (Economic incentive, Government supervision, Technical support) positively influence sorting behavior. The effect of Economic incentive (β=0.327P<0.001) and Attitude (β=0.249P<0.001) on sorting behavior are the largest. In the multi-layer system, different layers communicate with each other through the material and financial flows and have cross-layer impacts. An agent-based model is developed to investigate the multi-layer feedforward influence mechanism of changes in key layers (e.g., sorting rate, disposal rate) and the material and financial flows adaptive adjustment direction of the solid waste reverse supply chain. High rate of participation and accuracy of source sorting can shorten material flow paths and reduce storage and transportation costs. The increase in disposal rate encourages the transition of solid waste from backfill to resource utilization. This study provides a practice reference for solid waste reverse supply chain and related enterprises managers.

Increasing supply chain resiliency through equilibrium pricing and stipulating transportation quota regulation

Supply chain disruption can occur for a variety of reasons, including natural disasters or market dynamics for which resilient strategies should be designed. If the disruption is profound and has dire consequences for the economy, it calls for the regulator’s intervention to minimize the impact for the betterment of the society. This paper investigates the minimum quota regulation on transport amounts of a shipping company with limited capacity that transports a group of products with heterogeneous transportation and production costs and prices. An interesting example can be found in the North American rail transportation market, where rail capacity is used for a variety of products and commodities, such as oil and grains. Similarly, in Europe, the supply chain for grain produced in Ukraine is disrupted by the Ukraine war and the blockade of the maritime transport routes. This siege puts pressure on the rail transport capacity of Ukraine and its neighboring countries to the west, which needs to be shared to ship a variety of products, including grains, military, and humanitarian supplies. Such situations require the proper execution of government intervention for effective management of limited transport capacity to avoid rippling effects throughout the economy. We propose mathematical models and solutions for market players and the government in a Canadian case study. Subsequently, the conditions that justify government intervention are identified, and an algorithm is presented to obtain the optimum minimum quotas.

Embracing Pure Electric Buses: Vision, Risks and Challenges

In this paper, we mainly focus on the current hot discussion of pure electric public transportation trends. First, we discuss the ecological environment improvement of a city if the original fuel buses are converted to pure electric buses. We use a carbon emission model, an indirect one, and a direct one. Through the quantitative consideration of different factors, the carbon emission model of the whole life cycle of a pure electric bus is finally proposed, and the model is cross-verified by sensitivity analysis. Then, taking Hong Kong as an example, we collected the operation data and cost of public transport in Hong Kong and considered the cost pressure brought by replacing its buses with pure electric buses. We considered acquisition costs, operating costs, operating maintenance and repair costs, and battery replacement costs, etc., combined with government subsidy programs, we obtained the relationship between the relevant replacement costs and the number of replacements. Then, we consider whether our model in Hong Kong, New York, and London can provide reference opinions for replacing pure electric buses in these cities. In addition, with the support of a large number of data, we have formulated a government-funded timetable for the replacement of pure electric buses in three cities within ten years, which has a certain reference value. Finally, considering the current situation of buses in Hong Kong, we propose financial and environmental recommendations to the Transport Department of Hong Kong, as well as future forecasts and prospects.

A practitioner's guide to estimate overland transportation costs

Poor infrastructure and high domestic shipping costs are often cited as important impediments to economic activity in developing countries. Domestic shipping being mostly overland, understanding the level and structure of costs in road freight transportation could thus help formulate policies that aim to lower them. This review provides a summary of overland transport cost estimates with a focus on trucking, the dominant mode of domestic freight. By describing conceptual issues, highlighting sources of data and alternative methodologies with their key findings, it is intended to help practitioners and researchers navigate the literature.

Estimating the mechanical cost of transport in human walking with a simple kinematic data-driven mechanical model.

This work utilizes a simplified, streamlined approach to study the mechanical cost of transport in human walking. Utilizing the kinematic motion data of the center of mass, velocities and accelerations are determined using kinematic analysis; the applied force is then obtained using inverse dynamics. We calculate the mechanical cost of transport per step from both synthetic and measured data, using a very simple mechanical model of walking. The approach studied can serve as an informative gait characteristic to monitor rehabilitation in human walking.

Sustainable vehicle allocation decisions under a vertical logistics collaboration setting

Enhancing vehicle utilization through a collaborative logistics approach allows businesses to contribute to the three pillars of sustainability by reducing fuel consumption and emissions, enhancing profit margins, and increasing customer satisfaction. This paper aims to introduce an Integer Linear Programming model for solving a vehicle allocation problem within a proposed vertical logistics collaboration setting. In this collaboration setup, production capacity allocation decisions are jointly made by collaborating customers and the logistics service provider, in order to create a more balanced and profitable logistics plan for all involved parties. Through the application of the proposed mathematical model, our numerical analyses illustrate the effects of the vertical logistics collaboration on the performance of transportation operations, including improved vehicle utilization rate and increased satisfied demand amount. Besides, we analyze the outputs of this operation related to the economic (by focusing on profit growth), environmental (by measuring the reduction in emissions), and social (by assessing the discounted transportation costs for customers) aspects of sustainability. To the best of our knowledge, no current study in the literature has established the vehicle allocation problem in the context of vertical logistics collaboration across all three sustainability pillars at the same time. The model can also serve as a tool for evaluating the potential economic, environmental, and social benefits arising from vertical collaboration and joint projects with customers, along with the support offered to logistics decisions.

The multidimensional spectrum of eco-evolutionary relationships between sharks and remoras.

Remoras are a highly specialised group of fishes known to associate with a range of marine megafauna, including elasmobranchs, cetaceans and marine reptiles. Remoras appear to benefit from these interspecific interactions through consumption of host dermal parasites or reduced cost of transport. Shark-remora associations are widely documented, yet our understanding of the costs and benefits involved in these interactions is poor. Studies frequently make claims about mutualistic, commensalistic or parasitic relationships without providing the necessary quantitative information necessary to make these claims. Here I explain why this approach is problematic, and proceed to examine shark-remora interactions in a rigorous eco-evolutionary framework. These interactions cannot be properly classified without considering net evolutionary fitness and context dependence. In reality, shark-remora interactions are best defined by a multidimensional spectrum of fitness consequences, with net fitness outcomes shifting between mutualism and parasitism (and vice versa) through space and time.

Unveiling energy security in agriculture through vital indicators extraction and insights

Despite advancements in meeting various human needs, energy supply remains a top priority for all countries worldwide. The escalating energy consumption in the agricultural sector underscores the necessity to scrutinize its energy usage. Presently, there exists an absence of a precise tool for accurately measuring this consumption. Hence, this study aims to identify indicators for measuring energy security in agriculture, conducted in three phases: content analysis, indicator validation, and field investigation. In the content analysis phase, energy security indicators were extracted and grouped into four categories: accessibility, availability, utilization, and sustainability. Following this, a two-stage validation process led to the identification of 18 indicators for assessing energy security in agriculture. In the field phase, a tailored questionnaire was distributed to 160 randomly selected farmers. The findings revealed that the availability component held the highest rank in establishing energy security, with an average score of 3.31. However, the current status of the access component indicates a more unfavorable situation compared to other dimensions. Consequently, to achieve energy security in agriculture, particular emphasis should be placed on enhancing energy access. Key areas to address include reducing transportation costs and minimizing the use of chemical pesticides. This indicates a necessity for focused interventions aimed at improving both energy access and sustainability within the agricultural sector. These efforts would contribute to enhancing economic efficiency and promoting environmental conservation.

Chabahar Port: A Geopolitical Need Or, Economic Compulsion for India

In the year 2024, in the case of Chabahar port in Iran, two important events took place; first, the visit of Mr. S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister to Tehran in January 2024 and second, one is the terror attack on Chabahar port by Jaish-al-Ahad on 3 April 2024. Both these developments are pole apart as far as the development of Chabahar port and the realisation of The International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) is concerned. The first one talks about development, hope, connectivity, and the future of trade through a new corridor and the second one is about the existing security challenges in the region which has put this project on a slow grind since the year 2002. As we are aware the International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) is a multi-modal transportation network connecting India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. It aims to facilitate the movement of goods and reduce transportation costs by providing an alternative route to traditional sea routes. The Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran, plays a crucial role in the INSTC as a key maritime gateway.

Role of China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Logistic System of Pakistan's and China's

This study will explain the impact of China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) on logistic system of China and Pakistan. This project is estimated investment of US $90 billion, CPEC project is consists of various sub-projects including energy, road, railway and fiber optic cable but major portion will be spent on energy. This project will start from Kashgar port of china to Gwadar port of Pakistan. Transportation is sub-function of logistic that consists of 44% total cost of logistic system and 20% total cost of production of manufacturing and mainly shipping cost and transit/delivery time are critical for logistic system. According to OEC (The Observing Economic Complexity) currently, china is importing crude oil which 13.4% from Persian Gulf. CPEC will china for lead time that will be reduced from 45 days to 10 days and distance from 2500km to 1300km. This new route will help to china for less transit/deliver time and shipping cost in terms of logistic of china. Pakistan’s transportation will also improve through road, railway and fiber optic cabal projects from Karachi-Peshawar it will have speed 160km per hour and with help of pipeline between Gwadar to Nawabshah gas will be transported from Iran. According to (www.cpec.inf.com) Pakistan logistic industry will grow by US $30.77 billion in the end of 2020.