Reduce Transportation Costs Research Articles

Straw Logistics Network Optimization Considering Cost Importance and Carbon Emission under the Concept of Sustainable Development

As biomass power generation projects progress, the supply chain of biomass resources has become a key link for the green development of biomass power facilities. The role of biomass recycling logistics in the sustainable development of biomass resources and power generation endeavors has grown increasingly significant. To realize environmentally friendly and economical straw logistics, it is imperative to establish an efficient, economic and sustainable straw recycling logistics network. Therefore, based on the weighting theory and top-down method, this study proposes a planning model aiming at minimum total cost and minimum carbon emission to locate the logistics network. The immune algorithm is applied to solve and analyze the proposed examples. It is concluded that under the condition that the total cost is reasonable, reducing transportation cost. The verification model can enhance the environmental and economic performance of straw logistics networks. From the perspective of theory and practice, we provide ideas for the optimization of relevant biomass logistics networks and promote the realization of low-carbon sustainable development of logistics networks.

Cheaper and faster: The role of air services agreements on transportation

AbstractRules of international air transportation services that apply to signatories' airlines are defined by air services agreements (ASAs). We assess the impact of bilateral ASAs on air transportation using an unique data set providing direct observations of bilateral air transport cost and time for a standardised good, for 1190 country‐pairs, between 2011 and 2015. Our results show that ASAs reduce transportation cost by 8% while they only impact transportation time for landlocked countries and Regional Trade Agreements (RTA) members. Our estimates also reveal that bilateral trade decreases cost of transport, which highlights the role of backhauling in air transportation.

Assessing the viability of parking slot utilization as transhipment points for parcel carriers: a case study in Barcelona

AbstractThe measures proposed in the sustainable and smart mobility strategy developed by the European commission are crucial for achieving the environmental objectives for 2030. This strategy includes measures specifically aimed at reducing the impact of e-commerce distribution. One widely adopted strategy for mitigating the impact of e-commerce distribution is the establishment of urban consolidation centres (UCCs). While this infrastructure quickly demonstrates its environmental success in urban areas, achieving long-term economic sustainability proves challenging. In this paper, we introduce a methodology aimed at incentivizing parcel carriers to shift towards an economically feasible and environmentally sustainable distribution mode within urban areas by leveraging their own transhipment space. This methodology includes a mathematical program for determining the quantity and locations of parking slots, taking into account the number of parcels and transportation vehicles used. It also utilizes the Continuous Approximation technique to assess the transportation and environmental costs of the proposed solutions. The proposed methodology is implemented for the city of Barcelona, considering three different sizes of parcel carriers: the carrier handling the largest volume of parcels, the carrier handling the lowest volume of parcels, and an intermediate case. The vehicles considered for delivery from the transhipment points include vans, cargo bikes, and trolleys for distribution on foot. The results indicate that a significant reduction in both transport and environmental costs is achieved when using zero-emissions vehicles for delivery from transhipment points for any of the parcel carriers considered.

“…WE WERE DETERMINED BY THE UYEZD TO BE IN THE TOWN OF GOROKHOVETS, WHERE WE DID NOT WANT TO BE AT ALL”: THE DISTRICT CENTER IN THE LIFE OF THE PEASANT COMMUNITY (THE CASE OF THE VILLAGE OF PALEKH AT THE TURN OF THE 18th AND 19th CENTURIES)

The study examines the strategies of interaction of the peasant community and manorial administration with the uyezd authorities at the microhistorical level. It is based on the materials of the archive of the Buturlins’ Palekh manor, i.e. expenditure books and primary documentation on travel expenses, duty receipts of the uyezd authorities and community sentences. Upon studying the legislative base and practice, the author concludes that peasants almost did not deviate from legislative norms. They tried to optimize their expenses, for example, they did not resort to the uyezd court or they visited the town for several cases at the same time. The article reconstructs the schedule and approximate travel time consumption, examines which officials and peasants were involved in interaction with the uyezd authorities depending on the situation. The author establishes that a considerable part of the time of the manorial administration was spent on traveling to the uyezd town. She estimates the transport costs of Palekh residents to the neighboring towns — Gorokhovets, Vyazniki, Vladimir and Shuya. The main criterion of convenience of a uyezd town for peasants was reliability of the way to it and its proximity to their village. Th e case of the administrative reform in 1796–1797 in Vladimir guberniya allows us to consider how Palekh residents tried to prevent their manor from being assigned to a less attractive uyezd town. It is proved that peasants’ attempts could not succeed, because the reform was carried out at the guberniya level (while peasants appealed to the uyezd authorities), and the decisions were made before peasants tried to intervene. The author concludes that the legislation in the second half of the 18th and early 19th centuries worked in favor of peasants and it was aimed at reducing transportation costs for them, but their opinion was not taken into account in the formation of specific administrative boundaries.

Research on the Optimization of Cross-Border Logistics Routes under the Belt and Road Initiative

Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, optimizing cross-border logistics routes is essential for enhancing the efficiency of logistics services and reducing transportation costs. This paper analyzes the current state of logistics networks in countries along the Belt and Road route, identifying major obstacles to the efficiency of cross-border logistics such as uneven infrastructure development, complex transnational policies and regulations, and significant geographical and political risks. The study further introduces the theoretical foundation of logistics route optimization and discusses the application of various optimization models and algorithms, such as linear programming and network flow analysis. The paper also highlights the role of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, in route optimization. These technologies enhance route selection and freight scheduling through real-time data processing and predictive models. Based on these analyses, specific strategies and implementation suggestions are proposed to reduce transportation time and costs by optimizing the logistics network configuration.

Coastal shipping and the early development of the Southern Cape

The economic development of the region east of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains (at that time the districts of Graaff-Reinet and Swellendam) could not be explored at first, because of the lack of local markets and the distance to Cape Town. To solve the problem the Dutch East India Company established harbour facilities at Mossel Bay in 1786 and two years later at Plettenberg Bay. This, however, did little if anything for the economic development of the southern Cape, mainly because residents were indifferent and not prepared to shoulder the costs involved in coastal shipping. After 1795 a few individuals, in partnership with the British authorities, took the initiative in promoting coastal shipping between Cape Town and the east coast, thereby linking the inhabitants and resources of that region to the Cape market. This reduced transport costs considerably, while also increasing the margins of profit.

Optimized transportation scheduling for precast concrete components considering heterogeneous vehicle-size matching

Recently, prefabricated construction has been vigorously promoted, resulting in high demand for precast concrete (PC) components. The transportation scheduling optimization problem of PC components with various kinds from multiple projects arises. Unlike conventional cargo, PC components are characterized by shape heterogeneity, large volume, and strict delivery time limits. Based on three characteristics, a heterogeneous fixed fleet vehicle routing problem (HFFVRP) for PC components is introduced, where heterogeneous vehicles, allocation of PC components to size-matching vehicles, and hybrid time windows are considered. Then a two-stage solution strategy based on the improved ant colony optimization (ACO) and Dijkstra algorithm is designed to obtain optimal vehicle routes under minimum transportation costs. The results indicate that the improved ACO-Dijkstra algorithm outperforms in obtaining optimal transportation plans for heterogeneous vehicles compared with manual decision-making and other heuristic algorithms. Sensitivity analysis denotes that utilizing heterogeneous vehicles contributes to reductions in transportation costs, and vehicle configuration should be adjusted along with demand scales. The proposed model and algorithm extend the theoretical basis of construction industrial applications.

Platform-based stable truck matching problem with trailer-swapping mode

This study investigates the platform-based stable truck-matching problem with trailer-swapping mode (STMP-TSM). The TSM is a novel collaborative transportation approach in which trucks participate in trailer swapping, significantly decreasing the rate of empty trucks and reducing transportation costs. In the STMP-TSM, a platform delivers a trailer-swapping scheme that satisfies all participating trucks. Correspondingly, an integer linear programming model is developed to maximize the total truck utility of the STMP-TSM. A specific preference list based on a chain-data structure is meticulously constructed to obtain a stable matching scheme. The preference list enables more generalized truck matching. In addition, a series of acceleration strategies is proposed to expedite the generation of a preference list while effectively reducing its length. An iterative preference-list-trim heuristic algorithm is designed, which strategically trims chains in the preference list to solve the STMP-TSM efficiently. As a benchmark, an integer linear programming model is developed based on the preference list to solve the truck-matching problem using the TSM. Finally, a series of numerical experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, assess the practicality of the TSM, and analyze the influences of the key parameters.

Benefits of Neurosurgical Teleconsults in the Management of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Transfers and Transportation Cost Reduction

Our study explores the efficacy and economic benefits of neurosurgical teleconsultations in managing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), focusing on reducing unnecessary patient transfers and associated costs. We conducted a cost-savings analysis at our institution of a previously published pilot study involving a cohort of patients with ICH who were potential candidates for airlift to our tertiary care center but instead received neurosurgical consultation via teleconsultation to avoid the transfer. Data on patient demographics, distances, and costs were collected and analyzed to assess the economic impact of teleconsultations. The cohort comprised 14 patients; we noted significant cost savings from avoiding interhospital transfers, ranging from $84,346.52 to $120,495.03 per patient. Teleconsultations facilitated immediate, collaborative decision-making between healthcare providers at community hospitals and a tertiary care center, reducing the need for expensive air transportation and unnecessary hospital transfers. Neurosurgical teleconsultations offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional patient transfer methods for ICH management, providing substantial economic benefits while maintaining high physician and patient-family satisfaction levels. This study underscores the potential of our teleneurosurgery program to significantly reduce costs by reducing unnecessary financial burdens on patients' families and healthcare systems.

Logistics Supply Chain Management and Control Based on Mobile Communication Technology

With the development and application of 5G technology, more efficient and faster mobile communication has become an essential tool in logistics transportation and warehousing processes. Logistics supply chain management (SCM) is a logistics management system centered around the core products or business of the supply chain, as well as a logistics management system organized around the core logistics business. As an important part of logistics SCM, logistics control requires real‐time monitoring and adjustment of transportation, warehousing, distribution, and other links. Mobile communication technology can provide real‐time positioning, tracking, monitoring, and data transmission functions, which provides strong technical support for logistics control. It can also optimize logistics scheduling and improve logistics efficiency and accuracy, thereby reducing transportation costs and improving logistics quality and efficiency. This article aimed to explore the relationship between mobile communication technology and logistics SCM and control, and to use Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for research. The research results indicated that under the same other conditions, 38 and 37 people rated the X system as liked by companies A and B, accounting for 95% and 92.5% respectively; only 4 and 1 people rated the Y system as liked, accounting for 10% and 2.5% respectively; the likes and dislikes of the X system were much higher than those of the Y system. This indicated a positive relationship between mobile communication technology and logistics SCM and control systems. Logistics SCM and control based on mobile communication technology has become an important direction and development trend in current research on logistics SCM and control. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

A discrete moth-flame optimization algorithm for multiple automated guided vehicles scheduling problem in a matrix manufacturing workshop

The growing need for customized and varied production has highlighted the significance of smart and automated factories in the manufacturing sector. In this particular context, the scheduling of multiple Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of operations within an intelligent manufacturing shop. This study centers on the material handling process within a matrix manufacturing shop with the objective of identifying the most cost-effective transportation routes for materials. To accomplish the specified objective, this research aims to identify an optimal solution for reducing transportation costs. In particular, this study formulates a mixed-integer linear programming model and introduces a novel discrete variant of the moth-flame optimization (MFO) algorithm, named DMFO, to address the scheduling problem. The DMFO algorithm incorporates several significant enhancements. Firstly, a population initialization method is proposed, which combines a nearest-neighbor-based adaptive heuristic and a random sorting technique to ensure the formation of a well-structured population. Secondly, the flame generation mechanism and spiral flight search processes within the MFO have been redefined to achieve a more optimal balance between exploration and exploitation. A neighborhood search mechanism is subsequently devised, employing the concept of neighborhood relevance to accelerate the convergence process. Additionally, a heuristic approach is introduced to reduce the computational cost. Moreover, a population regeneration mechanism is proposed to avoid the algorithm falling into a local optimum. To validate the effectiveness of the DMFO, a comparative analysis is conducted using a dataset of 110 real-world factory instances. In this analysis, eight well-established optimization algorithms are employed. The simulation results consistently demonstrate that the relative percentage deviation (RPD) value of the DMFO tends to approach 0% more closely compared to other algorithms, thereby substantiating the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Research on Load Estimation for Commercial Trucks Based on Air Suspension State Parameters

For commercial trucks, accurate vehicle load information is crucial to preventing overloading and uneven load distribution, thereby improving transportation efficiency and reducing transportation costs. Existing research on vehicle load estimation primarily focuses on tires, axles, frames, and leaf springs, with limited studies on load estimation for vehicles equipped with air suspension. This paper presents the design of a vehicle onboard weighing system for civil commercial trucks based on the state parameters of air springs and proposes a matching method for vehicle load estimation. The system utilizes laser distance- and gas pressure sensors to collect the state parameters of the air springs. It estimates the vehicle load and displays the load information in real time on the onboard display. The vehicle load estimation method was explored through prototype testing and theoretical derivation. A fitting model was constructed using surface fitting techniques to establish the relationship between the effective contact area and the height variation and capsule pressure of the air spring. Subsequently, a load prediction model was built based on the force equilibrium equation of the air springs. Finally, the construction and accuracy of the load prediction model for a specific type of diaphragm air spring were verified using finite element analysis. The results demonstrated that the average relative error of the load prediction model could be controlled within 1%, meeting the high accuracy requirements of the vehicle weighing system.

Interdisciplinarity in Smart Systems Applied to Rural School Transport in Brazil

Interdisciplinarity applied to rural transport in Brazil through expert systems is the focus of this paper. Rural school transport is a challenge, considering the size of Brazil, the great diversity of biomes and insufficient infrastructure. Collaboration between areas by interdisciplinarity articulates individual knowledge through the object and by transdisciplinarity requires developing new knowledge, based on an individual area, going beyond and extrapolating with different criteria. The "Transcolar Rural" intelligent transport system has been developed at the UFMG School of Engineering to plan and manage rural school transport by optimizing routes and costs. The system is used in 13 states in Brazil, 500 municipalities and manages the daily transport of more than 400 thousand students in rural areas. Reducing transportation costs allows resources to be reallocated to other educational activities. The project highlights Brazil's limited resources, recognized by the government, to meet the population's health, education and transport priorities. Transparent information helps managers make decisions and supervise citizens, allowing both parties to determine priorities for resource allocation. The Project demonstrates how interdisciplinarity is effective for complex problems. The project comprehensively addresses the challenges of transporting children in Brazil by integrating technology, exact sciences and applied social sciences.

Trains, trade, and transformation: A spatial Rogowski theory of America's 19th‐century protectionism

AbstractWe study the effect of expanding trade on societal coalitions through its impact on development. We combine a majoritarian political model with a spatial model of trade to argue that trade‐induced economic change—by bringing new workers to locations closer to world markets—can lead to losses rather than gains in political power for the factors of production advantaged by increased trade. We study how this phenomenon explains rising protectionism in the United States from 1880 to 1900. Using county‐level changes in transportation costs induced by railroad expansion, our estimates indicate that falling costs increased population and farm values but reduced the proportion of farmers. Reduced transportation costs caused a reduction in vote shares for the Democratic Party, which favored liberal trade policies, and an increase in an original newspaper‐based measure of protectionist sentiment. Expanding trade alters not only political interests but also the geographic distribution of those interests.

Global Value Chains and Trade Patterns: A Comparative Analysis between Developed and Developing Countries

With the continuous deepening of economic globalization, the economic interconnections among countries worldwide are increasingly close, making it impossible for any country's development to exist in isolation. The degree of economic interdependence and permeation between countries continues to deepen. In recent years, with the reduction of transportation and communication costs, the "fragmented" production model has rapidly spread globally. More and more goods are no longer produced and sold by a single country but are completed through vertical division of labor cooperation among multiple countries, with each country undertaking different stages of product production. This production model has driven the formation and development of global value chains. The deepening of global value chains has made the mutual influence between international economic cycles increasingly apparent. However, with the rise of the "anti-globalization" sentiment and trade protectionism, especially against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe and sluggish world economic growth, the external environment facing China's participation in the global value chain division of labor has undergone profound changes. In this situation, how to effectively respond to various risk challenges to maintain the steady and sustainable development of the Chinese economy has become an urgent and important issue that needs to be addressed.

Perspectives of pregnant women on the utilisation of a maternity waiting home near Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital in Oshikoto Region, Namibia.

Despite the efforts of Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services to build maternity waiting homes (MWHs), few pregnant women make use of them. Long distances among the general population in Namibia limit the utilisation of MWHs. Little research has investigated what factors are limiting the use of these facilities despite the urgent need for them. The aim of this study thus was to explore and describe the perspectives of pregnant women on the utilisation of the MWHs near Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital in Oshikoto Region. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was employed. The accessible population in this study comprised 18 participants who were selected for the study using a purposive sampling technique. Participants reported numerous barriers to visiting MWHs in Namibia, including an inadequate number of rooms, theft, food scarcity and the effects of poverty on the living conditions of the MWH users. Enablers visiting MWHs included the safe delivery of babies by skilled staff, reduced transport costs, access to timely management of labour complications and affordable accommodation. The study revealed that a number of barriers must be overcome before the desired number of women take advantage of MWHs. Multiple factors act as constraints to their use, including inadequate number of rooms, theft, food scarcity and the long distance between patients' homes and MWH services.Contribution:The study's findings can be used to develop targeted interventions and strategies that can be used by MWH providers to address the identified barriers.

Can toll prices changes affect the housing market? The case of the Severn crossing toll removal

PurposeSince 1966, the Severn crossing has been connecting England and Wales. In January 2018, its ownership returned to the UK Government, and this marked the start of a toll-free journey across the two countries and made commuting between the regions more affordable. In this paper, we examine the impact of the toll removal on the property market.Design/methodology/approachWe employ property-level data from the Land Registry and a difference-in-differences (DiD) empirical model for the periods 2016–2018 and 2019–2021 to capture the pre- and post-toll removal dynamics. The DiD estimation allows us to examine the causal relationship between policy changes and property prices.FindingsOur findings suggest that property prices in Newport and Monmouthshire (South East Wales) are positively affected by the policy, which results in a statistically significant increase of 5.8% more than those located in the South West England (Bristol and South Gloucestershire) region in the period 2019–2021. The impact can reach up to 13.1% for properties located in a 10 km radius of the bridge. The results indicate that the toll removal enables the ripple effect across the two markets by reducing commuting costs.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that examines the Severn Crossing case study. Its contribution is significant since we provide empirical evidence on how reduced transportation costs increase property prices in the lowest income region and have the opposite effect on the area with higher incomes and economic activity levels.

Developing a Measurement Framework for Ethiopian Dry Port Sustainability: An Empirical Study

Developing a Measurement Framework for Ethiopian Dry Port Sustainability: An Empirical Study

Determination of Clay and Sand Volume Using Vertical Electrical Sounding

This study presents the results of an electrical resistivity survey conducted in Agudama Epie, Yenagoa local government area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The primary objective of the survey was to estimate the volume of clay and sand within a rectangular land parcel measuring 100 m by 200m in the study area. The survey employed the Schlumberger electrode configuration and utilized nine vertical electrode sounding (VES) points.Data was collected using a Terrameter SAS 1000 and was processed using IPI2win software. The geophysical analysis revealed the presence of four distinct geoelectric layers across the study area, identified as layers 1 to 4 in the VES profiles. Layer 2, characterized by clay, exhibited an average thickness of 21.2 meters, while layer 3, consisting of sand, had an average thickness of 8.15 meters. The apparent resistivity values ranged from 8.45 to 79.43 ohm-meter to a depth of 10.14 meters for the clay layer and 8499.86 to 15013.11 ohm-meter to a depth of 33.5 meters for the sand layer. The study estimated a substantial presence of approximately 746,240 tonnes of clay and approximately 261,126 tonnes of sand in Agudama Epie. This discovery offers significant economic potential, including job creation, the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises, and opportunities within the construction industry. The local extraction and processing of clay can drive economic growth and facilitate the production of concrete and building materials. Additionally, the availability of sand in the region can reduce transportation costs and stimulate local construction projects, thereby fostering economic activity and infrastructure development.

Agri-food supply chain optimization through a decentralized production process in the olive oil industry

A tactical/operational model is proposed to assist decision-making in harvest planning and olive oil production planning of the different producers in the rural sector, considering allocation and transportation decisions of the kilograms of olives to the production plant with temporary relocation decisions of the mobile olive oil mills through decentralized production activities in the agri-food supply chain. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming model is presented that maximizes the profit of small farmers in the production process of single-varietal extra virgin olive oil. The decisions are based on the geographical dispersion of the different olive growers and the oil concentration of the olive varieties in a certain period, which depends on the climatic conditions of each sector where the olives are cultivated. The mathematical programming model is applied in Coquimbo, Chile, using actual data collected from previous harvest seasons. The computational results of the optimization model indicate that transportation decisions impact olive harvesting and oil production decisions. It is concluded that cooperatives of small producers in the rural sector increase overall profits and reduce transportation costs and the number of kilometers traveled by at least 41% through a decentralized production process with mobile production plants.