Showing papers on "Fleet management published in 1978"

Light Duty Automotive Fuel Economy … Trends thru 1985

Abstract: This, the thirteenth in a series of papers on trends in EPA fuel economy, covers both passenger cars and light trucks and concentrates on the current model year, 1985. It differs from previous papers in two ways: (1) Model years 1975, 1980 and 1985 are highlighted, with the model years in between these rarely discussed; and (2) The progress of the industry, as a whole, in improving fuel economy since 1975 is emphasized, and individual manufacturer data are de-emphasized. Conclusions are presented on the trends in fuel economy of the car and light truck fleets; the Domestic, European and Japanese market sectors; and various vehicle classes.

Direct and indirect costs of transporting wood chips to supply a wood-fired power plant

Abstract: Several alternative designs of a transportation system for a hypothetical 50-Mw WFPP in Vermont are reported. Two means--truck and rail--of moving the fuel, wood chips, from the harvest site to the WFPP are investigated. The design of an efficient truck transportation system must take into account vehicle weight and capacity, plant production capacity, distance to plant and time required to drive it, and comparative costs of different fleet management options. Considerations for a rail system include ease of connection to regular rail service (schedules and routes), comparative costs of owning versus renting railcars, comparative costs and scheduling problems for running plant-owned or leased unit trains, and costs of building additional track. Either transportation system will require special techniques for loading and unloading wood chips. The direct cost of both systems, with their possible variations is summarized as accurately as possible, and the general cost ranges of the two are compared. Although cost factors will vary greatly depending on the location and particular design specifications of the WFPP, it is concluded that the 35-truck fleet is probably the least-cost system in terms of capital costs. The three factors analyzed as indirect costs are highway maintenance costs, noise levels, and roadway structure problems. The analysis concludes that the specific WFPP site has a strong influence on the costs--direct and indirect--of the various possible transportation systems. For each site, a complete cost analysis is recommended, the framework of which is sketched in this study. (ERA citation 04:022062)

Landfall: a high resolution automatic vehicle-location system

Abstract: The article describes the Landfall vehicle location system developed by Marconi Research Laboratories. The in-vehicle system is based on the principle that fleet vehicles are usually restricted to an existing urban road network. In addition to sensors for distance and direction the system uses a stored map database comprising the roads (links) and junctions (nodes). Any road network is regarded as a network of nodes containing inlet/outlet ports and Interconnected links. The tracking algorithm is based on a step-by-step distance-turn-distance-turn process supported and constrained by stored map data. Landfall (links and nodes database for automatic land vehicle location) is a system concept and the tracking unit, driver terminal, telemetry link and database processing are all independent and replaceable modules. The basic landfall system is able to offer in-vehicle route guidance from location data keyed in through a status initialization device or transmitted over a telemetry link. /TRRL/

Optimal urban bus size

Abstract: London's city transit has been shown by Webster and Oldfield to be operating at almost optimal occupancies of 38 and 18 passengers during the peak and off-peak respectively. The mathematical model developed duplicates these results as well as observations of conventioal commuter routes and a long established crosstown line. The relationship combines the complex interaction of vehicle, patron and street into one general equation. The equation may be manipulated to give "mathematically optimal", passenger productivities, vehicle occupancy and fleet size. /Author/

European air transport up to the year 2000

Abstract: The influence of economic growth, population changes, and other factors in European passenger transport demand is reviewed. Technical progress among transport modes competing with air is considered, the two major threats to air transport being the development of a European high speed rail network covering the high-density inter-city routes, and the growth of a road haulage freight market--on the back of improvements in road systems and short sea route shipping. Finally, the likely course of development of short/medium range aircraft for scheduled services is discussed, projections of demand for air transport are made, and a rough estimate is made of fleet sizes.

Characteristics of automotive fleets in the united states 1966-1977

Abstract: Several major areas pertaining to automobile fleet operations in the U.S. are covered. First, all known available sources that contain statistics on fleet vehicles are described. Second, fleet operations in the U.S. are characterized according to stock composition and operational characteristics. Third, properties of fleet cars are compared with those of the total car population, and a comparison is made among fleets used by different sectors. Finally, the significance of fleet operations for transportation energy conservation is discussed.

Applicability of digital data communication features in public transit systems: technology assessment

Abstract: A survey was conducted of the state of the art of automatic vehicle monitoring (AVM) systems and their use in public transit, taxi, and police operations. The systems identified are applicable to improving operational efficiency and quality of service. The various system elements related to AVM systems were reviewed. Those elements included vehicle location, vehicle identification, vehicle monitoring, computer scheduling, computer dispatch, silent alarms, security alarms, mechanical alarms, on-board readout, real-time display, passenger counting, management reporting, and digital data hardware.

Approaches to Extended Oil Drain Intervals in Army Tactical Equipment

Abstract: Interest of the military in developing multiseasonal, extended-drain crankcase lubricants for the diesel-powered tactical fleet is addressed. These lubricants offer potentially large savings in lubricant, logistics, and manpower costs, and they can greatly improve overall fleet readiness. Studies have been conducted to examine various lubricant formulations, and engine modifications have been explored to identify approaches to extended-drain intervals. Both conventional and synthetic lubricants are being evaluated for future tactical fleet application. In addition, mechanical engine modifications which reduce oil degradation rates are being studied. Initial results indicate the near-term feasibility of using multiseasonal, extended-drain crankcase oils in a wide range of military applications, but with a significant increase in lubricant cost. Conventional, multiviscosity lubricant products appear to require further development before their introduction in the Army's combat diesel fleet.

Fleet planning for profitability

Abstract: The most important elements of fleet planning and how they interact with each other are discussed. The central planning problem is the selection of aircraft for addition to, or modernization of the fleet. Financial considerations are important not only because of profitability and other financial objectives, but also because of the strains that fleet plans put on airline credit-worthiness. Manpower is another basic consideration of fleet planning studies. Productivity is a major consideration in manpower planning. Closely related to the above factors is the matter of ground support facilities. The inconstant nature of air transport demand is noted, as well as the star role of airports. The interdependence of these factors mentioned above and their relevance to aircraft selection studies are detailed.

Rail transportation requirements for coal movement in 1980

Abstract: This rail-oriented coal transportation study is one of a series conducted by the Department of Transportation to identify and quantify transportation requirements for energy materials. Information provided by these studies will be used by government and industry to examine and shape present and future transportation policies and related resource allocation decisions. The primary objectives of this study are to develop and present rail industry estimates of the amount of coal that will move by rail in 1980, the additional equipment and facilities required to handle the increased traffic, and the associated lead times involved. Other key report objectives are to describe present coal flows, associated operational policies and practices, and the interfaces with connecting or continuing modes of transportation. When possible, 1974-1980 comparisons for these factors are made to illustrate the magnitude and direction of expected changes in levels of operations, distribution patterns, etc.

Fleet management information and planning system

Abstract: Today's sea transport fleet consists of highly sophisticated and costly ships. The market is steadily becoming more competitive and a successful sea transport business depends on the operational management of these vessels. It is therefore of utmost importance that this management be carried out in the most efficient way. This calls for efficient administration and easy access to adequate and relevant information. As a consequence it is necessary to provide a comprehensive and well organized information and planning system as the basis for sound decision making at all pertinent levels. Fleetman is one system designed for this purpose and is described in this paper. Fleetman and similar systems have been used onboard Scandinavian ships for some time and experience clearly shows that an improved performance and management of ship operation, compared with the traditional way of operating ships of some 10-15 years ago, has been obtained. The paper gives a short description of the Fleetman modular integrated information system and its implementation and demonstrates by field experience results the standard of performance which may be obtained.

Lessons learned in developmental testing in the fleet

Abstract: Developmental tests have been conducted in the Fleet to demonstrate concepts for reducing man-hours required to perform certain shipboard functions while maintaining or improving effectiveness. Experiences during the preparation, conduct, and reporting of the tests are described including the CNO Pilot Program for Reduced Bridge Manning, Integrated Bridge Systems, Facilities Maintenance (housekeeping), Wireless Comunications During Damage Control Evolutions, and the Ship Controlman. Areas discussed include: system design and interface requirments; elements that go into test designed for shipboard evaluation; approval requirements to conduct such tests; how to get Fleet Support in terms of personnel and assets; logistics and training requirements; and finally, what Fleet testing buys that other means do not.