Showing papers on "Fleet management published in 1976"

The Use of Annual Maintenance Cost Limits for Vehicle Fleet Replacement

Abstract: SYNOPSIS The paper reports a study of the determination of an optimal replacement policy for transport fleet vehicles in the 7/8 ton load carrying capacity. Comments are made about the limitations of the constant economic life approach to replacement decisions. The concept of an Annual Maintenance Cost Limit approach is suggested and used to set replacement decisions for a fleet of 150 similar vehicles.

Edp-assisted fleet scheduling in tramp and coastal shipping

Abstract: Advanced benefits in the pool result can be achieved by applying modern scheduling techniques, in conjunction with electronical data processing. Even with a fleet of only five ships, the detailed computer system proved to be superior to manual techniques of experienced schedulers. The computed schedule permitted, on the average, each ship to be assigned to additional jobs for one day per month. This effect increases relative to the number of ships scheduled. For an EDP-system to be effective it is necessary to use the basic information concerning the scheduling; including information on short term alterations, such as subletting or offers on the free market. The analysis of changes within the scheduling system normally involves a great manual effort. To overcome this problem the scheduler is able to communicate on line, in dialogue with the computer through the console, direct from his workplace. Depending upon the required information and the urgency of the reply, the scheduler is able to select, at distinct levels, an analysis of the effect of a particular operation. At the first stage, he obtains the variations of the economic pool result by changes and decisions relative to the schedule. At the next level, notice of the best possibilities of voyage combinations and assignments for ships and contracts are given. In the last stage, the system computes the schedule with the best pool result.

Ships of the u. s. merchant marine

Abstract: This paper provides a survey of the United States Merchant Marine. It describes the overall content of the American Flag Fleet, discusses the importance and the impact of the Construction Differential Subsidy Program on shipbuilding and assesses ship construction standards such as fire protection, subdivision and automation. Detailed descriptions of typical ships with high utility in national defense roles are provided. Finally, the paper discusses ongoing research and provides some insight into future ships of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

The Value of Fleet Experience in Exploiting the Full Economic Potential of Aircraft Structures

Abstract: As a fleet of aircraft builds more and more experience in the real operational environment, the data flowing from that experience can contribute significantly to better forecasts of future maintenance needs and costs, better focus of the inspection and maintenance efforts, special new equipment/techniques to reduce costs in specific cases, high confidence in continued safe operation. Several extensions of historical approaches have been developed to support the early models of the jet fleet. The general characteristics of these techniques and their potential economic contributions are discussed.

New frontiers in bulk transfer technology

Abstract: The rational planning of terminals with today's complexity requires operation research and simulation techniques. The PIRTLOG computer program developed for this purpose is capable of simulating the operations of a port complex, and the related ship, barge, railroad or truck input and output. PIRTLOG is utilized in selecting the number, size and capacity of berths and handling equipment, stockpile and inventory requirements, is assessing the effects of fleet distribution and berth availability, for sensitivity analysis of all systems to variations of criteria, and for value engineering analysis, determining the impact of changes in one area on another or on the overall system. To assist in the planning of offshore terminals, the SEABERTH computer program was developed.

Increasing efficiency in bus maintenance operations

Abstract: The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority is in the process of an overall improvement program directed towards upgrading both the level and quality of service provided to its customers. Despite the work that has been carried out in the planning and scheduling aspects of the improvement program, the number of buses in service has continued to decline below adequate service levels. Management identifies this situation with inefficient maintenance operations; hence it is this situation that provides the purpose for this study. This report presents the results of an extensive analysis of data collected by the maintenance workshop staff. Both a fleet analysis and shop analysis are carried out to evaluate shop performance, and initial estimates concerning shop productivity are also determined. An integrated control system is developed for routine utilization of shop data and monitoring of future shop performance. The details and documentation of these systems are contained in the Appendix of this report. Conclusions as well as recommendations for increasing maintenance efficiency are also presented in this report. /FHWA/