National Academies Press: OpenBook
« Previous: Appendix C - Interview Guide
Page 114
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 114
Page 115
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 115
Page 116
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 116
Page 117
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 117
Page 118
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 118
Page 119
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 119
Page 120
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 120
Page 121
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 121
Page 122
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 122
Page 123
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 123
Page 124
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 124
Page 125
Suggested Citation:"Appendix D - Internet Survey Instrument." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14439.
×
Page 125

Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.

D-1 A P P E N D I X D Internet Survey Instrument The National Cooperative Freight Research Program through the Transportation Research Board (TRB) is conducting research to identify freight mobility constraints and develop a methodology to deploy tested, low - cost, quickly implementable physical, operational, and regulatory improvements that address such constraints. This survey is intended to help gather information on how you define freight mobility constraints and actions you take to address them or rea ct to such constraints. This survey is organized in two sections: • Section I - General Freight Mobility Information (Questions 1 - 13). Please answer all of the questions in this section . In addition answer all questions in Section II that are specific to your modal operations, as follows. We appreciate your time and input in completing this survey. • Section II - Freight Mobility Modal Specific Information – Motor carriers — Questions 14 – 21 – Port terminal operators, port authorities — Questions 22 – 27 – Railroad s — Questions 28 – 32 – Shippers, freight forwarders, logistics service providers, warehouse operators, labor unions—Questions 33–36 – State DOT s, MPOs , Federal agencies — Questions 14 – 36 Section I — General Freight Mobility Information Please answer all the questions in this section 1) Which one of the following best describes your organization? (Select one) State Department of Transportation Metropolitan Planning Organization Federal Agency Air Freight Carrier Motor Carrier Short - Line Railroad Class I Railroad Deepwater Port Terminal Operator Inland Waterway Operator Port Authority Freight Forwarder Logistics Services Provider Warehouse Owner/Operator Shipper Labor Union Supplier

D-2 4) Which five of the following performance indicators do you most often use to monitor freight mobility systems and identify major constraints? (Rank 1 through 5; with 1 being the highest). Average speed ____________ Delay ____________ Stops per hour ____________ Idle time ____________ Level of service ____________ Traffic volume ____________ Truck percentage ____________ Driver utilization/mile ____________ Dwell time in hours or days ____________ On-time arrival and/or departure ____________ On-time customer pickup and/or delivery ____________ Lifts per hour or shift ____________ Gate transactions per day ____________ Truck trips per day ____________ Other (specify) _____________________ 5) Which five of the following do you consider to be the major causes of freight mobility constraints for your operations? (Rank 1 through 5; with 1 being the highest). Inadequate physical capacity ____________ Highway geometry ____________ Inadequate system management ____________ Regulatory constraints ____________ Land use controls and regulations ____________ Insufficient funding ____________ Inadequate internal and external communications ____________ Uncertain permitting outcomes ____________ Insufficient trained labor ____________ Inadequate attention to safety ____________ Grade crossings ____________ Other (specify) ____________________________ 6) How would you characterize the major freight mobility constraints affecting your operations? (Rank 1 through 5; with 1 being the highest). Physical capacity ____________ Operational limitations ____________ Regulatory restrictions ____________ Technological limitations/inadequacy ____________ Financial limitations ____________ 2) Which one of the following best describes the predominant mode of freight movement that you are responsible for? (Select one) Trucks/Highway Rail Water/Ports Air Pipeline 3) How would you define “freight mobility constraint”? _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

D-3 9) In your opinion, to what extent do Federal, state, and local land use and environmental regulations impede mobility or improve efficient operations? (Select one) Impede very much Impede somewhat No impact Improve somewhat Improve very much 10) To what extent do you consider the following factors when evaluating an improvement action? Factors Used to Evaluate Whether or Not to Implement an Improvement Action Never used Not often used Often used Always used Cost Benefits (perceived and actual) Funding availability/source Implementation time Safety Security Risk Regulatory requirements Other (specify)_____________________ 11) To what extent do you implement the following steps when selecting potential improvement options? Steps in Selecting Potential Improvement Options Never used Not often used Often used Always used Benefit-Cost analysis Historical information (past performance) Stakeholder /customer input Other (specify) ____________ 12) How would you characterize a “quickly implementable” or “quick fix” improvement action directed at addressing freight mobility constraints? (Select one) Less than 6 months At least 6 months but less than 1 year At least 1 year but less than 2 years At least 2 years 7) How much do Department of Homeland Security (and international) requirements (e.g., C-TPAT, SFI, 100% scanning 10+2 program) interfere with efficient freight movements? (Select one) None Not much Somewhat Very much 8) In your opinion, to what extent do Federal and state safety regulations impede mobility or improve efficient operations? (Select one) Impede very much Impede somewhat No impact Improve somewhat Improve very much

D-4 14) What is your primary type of operation? (Check all that apply.) For-Hire Truckload Less Than Truckload Specialized (flatbed, tanker, bulk) Private Fleet Intermodal (port or rail) Third party logistics provider Other (please specify):_______________________ 15) What type of operation best describes your company? (Select One) Regional National International 16) How often do the following physical constraints occur in your operations? Physical Constraint Never Not often Often Very often Major interchanges Bridges and tunnels Intermodal connectors Steep grades Port terminals Intersections Rail yard and switching Toll facilities Local road access Other (specify) ________________ 17) How often do you encounter the following regulatory constraints in your trucking operations? Regulatory Constraint Never Not often Often Very often Hazmat regulations and route restrictions Hours of service Differences in truck size and weight limit regulations Speed limit differentials Other (specify) ________________ 13) How do you assess the success of implemented improvements ? (Select all that apply) Before and after studies Benefit - cost analysis Customer feedback Key performance indicator analysis Other (specify) ______________________ None Section II - Freight Mobility Modal Specific Information Motor Carriers - please answer Questions 14 to 21

D-5 19) How often do the following consequences occur due to mobility constraints? Operational Area Never Not often Often Very often Increased operating costs Decreased levels of service Loss of business Longer transit time Driver recruitment/retention Increased safety risks Other (specify) ________________ 20) How often do you take the following actions to respond to physical, operational, technological or regulatory freight mobility constraints? Strategy Never Not often Often Very often Reschedule trip/delivery Use third parties/agents Add equipment/drivers/resources Seek regulatory changes Use alternate routes Deploy in-cab communication Other (specify) ________________ 18) How often do you encounter the following operational/technological constraints in your trucking operations? Operational/Technological Constraint Never Not often Often Very often Parking restrictions/inadequate parking Truck lane restrictions Traffic signal timing Inadequate warning signs Other (specify) ________________

D-6 Deepwater Port Terminal Operators; Inland Waterway Terminal and Carrier Operators; Port Authorities - please answer Questions 22 to 27 22) How often do you encounter the following physical constraints in your terminal, waterway, or port operations? Physical Constraint Never Not often Often Very often Dangerous wharf conditions Inadequate waterway or channel depths Inefficient terminal layout Inadequate terminal capacity Empty container storage and movement Restrictive gate configurations Inadequate security and government agency inspection areas Lack of maintenance shop capacity and dedicated area Inadequate chassis storage areas Insufficient on-dock rail Physical barriers to rail operations Inadequate local street and highway access from terminal Other (specify) ________________ 21) To what degree do the following low - cost improvements help improve freight mobility? Improvement Action No impact Marginal improvement Significant improvement Auxiliary lanes Paved shoulders Acceleration and deceleration lanes Re - striping to add more lanes Ramp metering Ramp widening Temporary ramp closure Traveler information Truck restrictions Truck climbing lanes Traffic signal synchronization Intersection turn lanes Improved intersection turn radius Removal of vertical clearance impediments Other (specify) ________________

D-7 24) How often do you take the following actions to respond to physical, operational, and regulatory freight mobility constraints? Actions to Respond to Physical, Operational, and Regulatory Constraints Never used Not often used Often used Always used Empower problem solving action groups Prepare contingency plans Budget for implementing contingency plans Expand gate capacity Expand gate operation hours Adopt program to encourage off-peak terminal operations Upgrade communication technologies Support labor training programs Establish labor/management operations planning and trouble-shooting teams Institute risk reducing contract terms with customers and modal partners Coordinate capital improvement planning and improvements with modal and community partners to avoid unanticipated negative congestion consequences Regularly communicate with elected officials, management, and community stakeholders to garner support for regulatory improvements Use customized technology programs Other (specify) ________________ 23) How often do you encounter the following operational constraints in your terminal, waterway, or port operations? Operational Constraint Never Not often Often Very often Late ship or tug arrival time Insufficient labor as ordered and needed Insufficient supply of trained labor Unclear traffic directions within the terminal for trucks and yard equipment Internal communication difficulties up and down the chain of command External communication difficulties across modes Inadequate planning for handling unexpected disruption Inability to ramp up for peak periods. Differences in communications and software programs among supply chain partners and customers. Excess on-terminal dwell time. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) requirements Unplanned requirements and costs related to air quality and environmental factors Proprietary information barriers to modal coordination Compliance with international operational requirements Other (specify) ________________

D-8 26) To what extent do you believe the following low-cost improvements help address/eliminate freight mobility constraints? Low-Cost Methods to Address Freight Mobility Constraints No potential Low potential Some potential High potential Auxiliary gate lanes Paved holding areas outside the gate “Fast Lane” at gates using paperless checking Terminal reconfiguration to add more capacity Truck reservation system Establish regular pre-planning meetings to coordinate ship, rail, labor, drayage requirements On-terminal traffic management by managers Locate secured inspection areas outside of major traffic areas Dedicated truck lanes on local roads outside the gate Synchronize signals at terminal entrance/exit to adjust to peak traffic hours on local roads and at terminal Utilize wireless communications on terminal to facilitate proper storage, ship operations, and gate operations Other (specify) ________________ 27) Please provide any explanatory comments to the above responses or additional information on freight mobility constraints. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 25) What are the five most common operational impacts of freight mobility constraints? (Rank 1 through 5; with 1 being the highest). Delay ____________ Increased operating cost ____________ Loss of business ____________ Loss of employees (drivers) ____________ Environmental impacts ____________ Other (specify) ____________________________

D-9 Section II Railroads - please answer Questions 28 to 32 28) Which are the five most severe and persistent freight mobility constraints? (Rank 1 through 5; with 1 being the highest). Constraint Yard capacity Switching efficiency Lack of double or triple tracking Lack of sidings Intermodal terminals Locomotive power and freight cars Crews (labor availability) Maintenance shops Vertical double stack restrictions Signaling restrictions or lack of optimized signaling Speed restrictions in urban areas Other (specify) ________________ Other (specify) ________________ 29) Which five capacity problems are the major causes of freight mobility constraints? (Rank 1 through 5; with 1 being the highest). Capacity Problem General economic growth Cyclical growth in key commodities Cyclical boom Economic/re-regulatory uncertainty Insufficient cash flow for re-investment Car supply shortages Other materials or construction supply shortages, e.g., steel rail, concrete, signal systems Competition from other modes Environmental regulations Other (specify) ________________

D-10 30) How often do you take the following actions to respond to physical, operational, and regulatory freight mobility constraints? Actions to Respond to Physical, Operational, and Regulatory Constraints Never used Not often used Often used Always used Reschedule trip/delivery Use alternative routes Use third parties Pass on delay costs to customers Deploy in-cab communication Seek regulatory changes Upgrade communication technologies Support labor training programs Establish labor/management operations planning and trouble-shooting teams Other (specify) ________________ 31) To what degree do the following low-cost improvements help improve freight mobility? Low-Cost Action No impact Marginal improvement Significant improvement Technologies Train control/advanced dispatching On-board sensors Rapid on/off maintenance of way machinery Electronically controlled pneumatic brakes Advanced electronic inspection techniques Trunked digital communications systems Other (specify) ________________ 32) Please provide any explanatory comments to the above responses or additional information on freight mobility constraints. _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

D-11 Section II — Freight Forwarders, Shippers, Labor Unions, Suppliers - please answer Questions 33 to 36 33) How often do you encounter the following freight mobility constraints in your operations? Constraint Never Not often Often Very often Labor contract/agreement issues — FELA liability if any Insufficient supply of trained labor — restrictions on contracting out Safety concerns Insufficient storage capacity Av ailability of technology tools — e.g., for tracking and tracing inadequacies Delays or higher costs due to regulatory restrictions Communication among stakeholders Inadequate planning for handling unexpected demands and/or recovery from unplanned events Late arrival of shipments, especially if tardy arrival required more costly substitute transportation Unreliable shipment schedules — spot or chronic Safety of shipments — damage to lading Security of shipments Other (specify) ________________ 34) How often do you take the following actions to respond to freight mobility constraints? Actions to Respond to Constraints Never used Not often used Often used Always used Reschedule trip/delivery Increase number of trips Reroute delivery Use third parties/agents Add equipment/ resources Pass on delay costs to customers Seek constructive damages under a contract or legal judgment Seek regulatory changes Revise operating schedules Prepare and implement contingency plans Expand warehouse storage capacity or house tracks Resolve labor - related issues Adopt schedules consistent with both regulatory requirements and business imperatives Upgrade communication technologies, wired or wireless Support carrier - sponsored labor training programs Establish labor/management operations planning and trouble - shooting teams — for “corrective action” Other (specify) ________________

D-12 35) What are the five most important impacts of freight mobility constraints? (Rank 1 through 5; with 1 being the highest). Delay in manufacturing or delivering product ____________ Increased operating cost ____________ Loss of business/sales opportunity ____________ Loss of revenue ____________ Loss of labor ____________ Environmental impacts ____________ Perishability of lading ____________ Risk of industrial accidents ____________ Other (specify) ___________________________ _ ____________ 36) To what extent do you believe the following low-cost improvements help address or eliminate freight mobility constraints? Actions to Respond to Constraints No potential Low potential Some potential High potential Empowering more efficient use of labor Use off - peak hours for delivery/pickup Flexibility in hours of service — better availability of “work - arounds”, waivers, spot hires, etc. Support labor training programs Upgrade communication technologies, Revise operating schedules — e.g. Saturday service with “traveling switch engines” Prepare and implement contingency plans Expand warehouse storage capacity Expand house track storage capacity Resolv e labor - related issues Improve facility perimeter security Other (specify) ________________ Respondent’s name: ________________________________________________________ Organization _____________________________________Title _____________________ Email (optional) ___________________________Phone ____________________________

Next: Appendix E - Low-Cost Improvement Analysis Tool (LCIAT) Evaluation Form »
Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints Get This Book
×
MyNAP members save 10% online.
Login or Register to save!
Download Free PDF

TRB’s National Cooperative Freight Research Program (NCFRP) Report 7: Identifying and Using Low-Cost and Quickly Implementable Ways to Address Freight-System Mobility Constraints explores standardized descriptions of the dimensions of the freight transportation system, identifies freight mobility constraints in a multimodal context, highlights criteria for low-cost and quickly implementable improvements to address the constraints, and includes a software tool to help decision makers in evaluating constraints and selecting appropriate improvements.

The software tool is available for download in a .zip format. A user guide for the software is also available for download.

  1. ×

    Welcome to OpenBook!

    You're looking at OpenBook, NAP.edu's online reading room since 1999. Based on feedback from you, our users, we've made some improvements that make it easier than ever to read thousands of publications on our website.

    Do you want to take a quick tour of the OpenBook's features?

    No Thanks Take a Tour »
  2. ×

    Show this book's table of contents, where you can jump to any chapter by name.

    « Back Next »
  3. ×

    ...or use these buttons to go back to the previous chapter or skip to the next one.

    « Back Next »
  4. ×

    Jump up to the previous page or down to the next one. Also, you can type in a page number and press Enter to go directly to that page in the book.

    « Back Next »
  5. ×

    To search the entire text of this book, type in your search term here and press Enter.

    « Back Next »
  6. ×

    Share a link to this book page on your preferred social network or via email.

    « Back Next »
  7. ×

    View our suggested citation for this chapter.

    « Back Next »
  8. ×

    Ready to take your reading offline? Click here to buy this book in print or download it as a free PDF, if available.

    « Back Next »
Stay Connected!