Showing papers on "Fleet management published in 1980"

Automatic vehicle monitoring: A tool for vehicle fleet operations

Abstract: Automatic vehicle monitoring (AVM) is an electronic means of gathering data and effecting command and control over a land vehicle fleet. While data on vehicle location are required for effective control, such systems are totally dependent upon refiable dedicated communications systems. By presenting a dispatcher or computer with information on each vehicle's location, decisions concerning the fleet's dispersion and operational readiness can be made. The Department of Transportation's Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA) is developing such a system which will be evaluated in actual transit operations and offers potential application in traffic control operations.

Automatic vehicle identification: Tests and applications in the late 1970's

Abstract: To identify a vehicle uniquely and automatically as it passes on the roadway without requiring any action by the driver, one general approach uses a transponder on the vehicle and an interrogator by the roadside. When the identity is passed from the interrogator to a data system which may have data storage, retrieval, computation, display, and actuation capabilities, various functions such as charging for the use of road or parking facilities, fleet management, and fine grain traffic control become possible. The main purpose is to report recent testing of such systems and consider some probable early applications. At the outset, however, the functional requirements are discussed in more detail, and the background of automatic vehicle identification (AVI) development and testing is briefly reviewed.

Truck Allocation Model for Concrete Distribution

Abstract: A computerized simulation model has been developed to analyze the truck fleet composition at a concrete batching plant. Historical data collected at the plant is input to produce information upon which selection of the fleet may be made. The model is described including the necessary input data, the simulation process, and expected results. An important aspect of simulating different fleet compositions is the effect of customers' order quantities being influenced by the truck sizes in operation at the plant. This feature is examined and the statistical analysis outlined to determine the percentages of order switching. The results of the simulation runs produce daily quantities of concrete sold, number of trips made, percentage of empty space carried, and unit cost of concrete transported. This information together with experienced managerial judgement aids in selecting the most appropriate fleet of trucks for a particular plant.

Msvs: an extended computer model for transport mode selection

Abstract: This paper describes a heuristic computer model used to assist business firms and organizations in improving the utilization of their privately-owned truck fleets. The model deals with the problem of selecting between private and for-hire vehicle types as well as scheduling the routing for the privately-owned vehicles. The unique feature of the model is its extended scope to deal with (1) deliveries and pickups on the same route, (2) selection between two modes, and (3) layovers en route. Two applications are described where these additional features have helped to identify potential savings on the order of 15 per cent of the total transportation costs. (TRRL)

Some aspects of fuel economy in bulk carrier design and operation

Abstract: This paper looks at near-term solutions to the impact of higher fuel costs on the design of bulk carriers and strategies for fleet operation. It proposes analytical techniques that recognize the inventory cost of the goods in transit as well as the economics of the ship itself. As an illustration of the proposals, it shows the results of a study to determine the best combination fo design speed and block coefficient for a bulk carrier of Panamax size under various levels of fuel price. A section on fleet management proposes a method for selecting the most fuel-efficient plan for operating a fleet of ships during conditions of fuel shortage or unforeseen rises in price.

Analysis of the infrastructure for recharging electric vehicles

Abstract: The mobility of the existing personal-vehicle fleet is provided by a refueling infrastructure consisting of petroleum refiners, diistributors, and service stations. This paper identifies the equivalent infrastructure that would be required to support a fleet of electric vehicles (EV), and analyzes the current status in the United States of its major components. The components include the electric utility companies, the types of dwellings at which it would be practical to recharge electric vehicles overnight, and methos for providing range extension.

Transit vehicle fleet information and on-line management

Abstract: Recent transit applications of computer communications systems clearly demonstrate that operating deficits can be significantly reduced, and increased passenger volumes, caused by the energy situation, can be accommodated cost effectively. The approach being taken by the Toronto Transit Commission and Mississauga Transit to develop comprehensive transit communications and information systems is described. Such systems address the service information and management needs of all major on-line and off-line operating functions. The passenger and operating benefits that have been achieved to date are outlined, and the potential of such systems for improving transit ridership and vehicle fleet utilization and for meeting the reporting requirements of government are discussed.

Analysis of the NAFA fleet data base: passenger cars only

Abstract: To assess the potential market penetration of new vehicular concepts, it is first necessary to determine the current level of demand in terms of physical capabilities and economic constraints. The survey described in this report attempts to measure these characteristics for the fleet market sector in the U.S. The data analyzed come from a survey taken in March 1979 of members of the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). Each respondent was asked to specify a set of characteristics for electric cars that would meet his specific fleet demands and assign the maximum price he would be willing to pay for each option. From the 139 responses, it is possible to relate the physical specifications of fleet vehicles to economic utility. Two other reports (BNL-51286; BNL-51312) deal with the simulator (CPEN) which was designed by BNL to estimate market penetration rates of new technologies in the fleet market, using the data base described within this report: Joseph R. Wagner, A Method for Estimating TeA methodhnological Penetration Rates in Commercial Automobile Fleets, BNL 51312, May 1980, and Richard Weil, Fleet Car Market Penetration Simulator (CPEN): A User's Guide, BNL 51286, August 1980.

Gasohol: Laboratory and Fleet Test Evaluation

Abstract: An experimental program was conducted to determine the effects of gasohol fuel when compared to a control gasoline. The test vehicles used in this program were separated into two groups: a test fleet, and a control fleet. The vehicles consisted of several vans, trucks, and automobiles routinely used in commercial service. The laboratory analysis included testing the vehicles on a controlled environmental chassis dynamometer at a constant ambient temperature of 75/sup 0/F. Field measurements and data collection included road driveability, in-use fuel economy, and fuel system failures. Laboratory analysis provided information on exhaust emissions, fuel economy, and trace metals in the crankcase lubricating oils. The effect of varying the chassis dynamometer inertia weight was also examined. A reduction in regulated exhaust emission was found with gasohol but there was considerable variation among the vehicles. No difference was detected in vehicle fuel economy at actual load weights. Unregulated emissions were higher for gasohol, but the absolute levels were low. The fuel economy with gasohol relative to gasoline was improved as the vehicle weight was increased. A larger quantity of copper was found in the crankcase lubricating oil of the vehicles operating on gasohol when compared to the vehicles operating on gasoline.more » Driveability was poorer with gasohol, especially during the winter and summer seasons.« less

Tomorrow is here

Abstract: Bessemer and Lake Erie and the Elgin, Joilet and Eastern have refined cost accounting so that operating costs are being accurately measured, resulting in a reduction of car ownership and improved service. Car days are now charged to the transportation department, assigning the responsibility for the time cars spend on line and for the number of cars required. Fleet management financial data is now in the hands of all departments since car cost represent a high percentage of total operating costs. Car and train control systems have been established to supplement the standard cost system; computers give real time data for decision making.

Fuel economy benefits of synthetic lubricants in heavy-duty trucks

Abstract: Fuel economy improvements ranging up to 6% are documented from the use of synthetic engine and gear lubricants in heavy-duty diesel trucks. Tests included a laboratory engine test, vehicle chassis rolls tests and ATA (American Trucking Association) Type 1 two-truck over-the-road tests. These fuel savings have been confirmed in closely monitored fleet tests in both long-haul and delivery service for up to two years of testing and approximately four million miles (6.4 million km) of operation. Heavy-duty 290-365 hp diesel engines produced by the four most popular US builders were included in the fleet tests. The economics of energy savings by using synthetic lubricants are discussed.

Epri/tva (electric power research institute/tennessee valley authority) pilot electric vehicle demonstration: update 1980

Abstract: Planning phase activities and progress to date are reviewed and data acquisition system hardware is described in detail for a pilot EV (electric vehicle) demonstration project. Initiated in 1978, the two-year project is aimed at establishing contemporary vehicle characteristics, economics, and infrastructure requirements for EV fleets operating in a representative electric utility environment. Data on all aspects of EV performance, reliability, operations, network interaction, and subsystems, are being gathered to assess the potential impacts of large-scale EV use on utility operations and load management. A microprocessor-based primary data acquisition system is being used to measure 48 different operating parameters of the electrical propulsion system; a microcomputer-based secondary system is recording data on miles driven at various speeds and charging alternating current kWh. An interactive graphics scheme is being developed to present vehicle data.

Lightweight dmu could cut costs on secondary lines

Abstract: Nearly 30 per cent of British Rail's 3 310 DMU cars are used on rural and local services where inadequate revenue makes it difficult to justify replacement, but they will be life-expired in the 1980s and the government has decided that most of these lines are to remain open. A prototype pair of two-axle cars is being built using Leyland bus body modules and engines.

Company cars: characteristics and energy conservation potential

Abstract: This paper reports on a study of the characteristics of company cars in Australia, and the possible impacts of selective energy conservation policies on company car fleets. The fundamental proposition is that the company car sector offers a considerable potential for energy conservation through changes to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Company cars constitute a very important share of the new car market, and they tend to be larger, less fuel-efficient types of cars, travel longer distances, and be recent vintage than private cars. Responses of companies to a range of policy scenarios indicate that the policies considered would have negligible impacts on the overall demand for company cars, but that the shift to smaller cars would be substantial. The characteristics of companies and fleets were found to have very significant effects on the policy responses. (Author/TRRL)