Showing papers on "Fleet management published in 1991"

A Model for Fleet Sizing and Vehicle Allocation

Abstract: There are important interactions between decisions on sizing a vehicle fleet and decisions on utilizing that fleet. A model is formulated to optimize both sets of decisions simultaneously under dynamic and uncertain conditions. A network approximation to this model is presented and a solution procedure proposed. The convergence behavior of the solution procedure and the potential consequences of using simpler models to solve the fleet sizing and vehicle allocation problem are illustrated using several hypothetical problems. We conclude that this model is useful in identifying good strategies for the sizing of vehicle fleets and for the allocation of empty vehicles.

Fleet deployment optimization for liner shipping Part 2. Implementation and results

Abstract: We use linear programming (LP) for solving the problem of the optimal deployment of an existing fleet of multipurpose or fully containerized ships, among a given set of routes, including information for lay-up time, if any, and type and number of extra ships to charter, based on a detailed and realistic model for the calculation of the operating costs of all the ship types in every route and on a suitable LP formulation developed in earlier work of the authors. The optimization model is also applicable to the problem of finding the best fleet compostion and deployment, in a given set of trade routes, which may be the case when a shipping company is considering new or modified services, or a renewal of the existing fleet. In addition, two promising mixed linear-integer programming formulations are suggested.

Assessment of advanced technologies for relieving urban traffic congestion

Abstract: This report presents the results of a study to assess the application of advanced technologies in relieving urban traffic congestion. Technologies have been reviewed in the areas of traveler information systems, traffic control systems and automatic vehicle control systems. The study also includes a brief review of the application of these technologies to transit and rideshare needs. Both qualitative and quantitative assessments of a broad range of technologies were undertaken in order to select the three most promising technologies available for short-term implementation. These technologies comprise the radio data system for traffic information broadcasting, externally-linked route guidance, and adaptive traffic control. Detailed benefit-cost analyses were performed on these technologies, together with a review of the funding sources, jurisdictional and institutional issues, and consumer and user reactions to the systems. The study included a review of current moves toward a national intelligent vehicle/highway systems (IVHS) program. An outline of the projects and activities to be included in an IVHS program has been prepared, along with a preliminary time schedule. These activities have been grouped into advanced traveler information systems (ATIS), advanced traffic management systems (ATMS), fleet management and control systems (FMCS), and automatic vehicle control systems (AVCS). The report concludes by recommending the urgent need for a national program for developing, demonstrating and implementing advanced transportation technologies.

IVHS applications of smart cards

Abstract: The smart card, which is commonly understood to be an integrated circuit-based, credit card-sized portable data carrier, is fast becoming a preferred medium for present and future Intelligent Vehicle/Highway System (IVHS) applications. Its compact size and computer functionality make it appealing for driver information, fleet management, and traffic management applications. Smart Cards are currently used in an IVHS application, namely, in an Electronic Toll & Traffic Management (ETTM) system with Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI). This system utilizes the smart card for secure automated payment of tolls via a two-way RF link between a toll plaza and an in-vehicle unit which contains the card. As a result of surging customer interest, additional ETTM vendors are considering the use of the smart cards for their systems. Other applications of a smart card-based AVI system include vehicle speed calculation for measuring traffic flow, fleet management (i.e., rental car entry/exit), and various traveler information services. A smart card may also be used for logging of vehicle maintenance records, thus providing a higher level of customer service for vehicle owners. Another application is advanced vehicle diagnostics, where critical data could be stored on the card at the touch of a fingertip in order to more easily diagnose intermittent vehicle problems. Further, a smart card could be used for data storage in tracking and measuring driver and vehicle behavior for fleet management applications. Undoubtedly, new IVHS applications of smart cards will continue to evolve into the 21st century.

A multiobjective vehicle routing problem with soft time windows: the case of a public library distribution system

Abstract: Over the years, the central focus of vehicle routing problems has been the construction of minimum cost delivery routes, i.e. the creation of spatial utilities without considering temporal aspects. In many public service organizations, however, the minimum cost route without time windows can lead to poor customer service due to its ignorance of delivery deadlines. On the other hand, the most timely route may excessively lengthen vehicle travel distance, thereby increasing the total distribution cost. Consequently, the public distribution system calls for a new vehicle routing model that both considers time windows and analyzes the tradeoff between time and cost. This paper develops such a model and verifies its practical usefulness by applying it to the case of a public library distribution system in the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area.

Intelligent vehicle highway system—The universal close-range road/vehicle communication system concept—The enhanced AVI and its CVO applications

Abstract: When the Automatic Vehicle Identification Concept (AVI) started it was simply an Electronic Tag. Today with a two-way communication capability, programmability and intelligence it has graduated to a full fledged Close-Range Road/ Vehicle Communication System (CRCS). Its applications are numerous: from vehicle identification and location, two-way vehicle communication, to fleet management. This paper is one of a series of complementary papers that cover the enhanced AVI system/CRCS concept and describe a number of the different applications of this low cost, high impact technology that is revolutionizing the road transportation system. Certain sections are common to all papers and form the background to the core of each of the papers. This paper in particular gives an overall view of the CRCS concept and concentrates on applications to the commercial vehicle operations.

Assessment of advanced technologies for transit and rideshare applications

Abstract: This report examines advanced technologies and systems which can be applied to high occupancy vehicles, ridesharing and public transit needs. These technologies have the potential to make public transit more attractive to potential users and make transit more operationally efficient. A review of technologies was carried out in the following areas: advanced traveler information systems, advanced traffic management systems, fleet management and control systems, automatic vehicle control systems. The report concludes with a technology assessment and future directions in IVHS activities.

Construction robot fleet management system prototype

Abstract: The application of robotic equipment to the execution of construction tasks is gaining attention by researchers and practitioners around the world. A number of working prototype systems have been developed by construction companies or system manufacturers, and implemented on construction job sites. Several Japanese construction firms have already developed their own fleet of construction robots. This paper describes a HyperCard™ prototype of the construction robotic equipment management system (CREMS), developed as a response to the need to effectively manage diverse robots on future construction sites. Modules comprising the system and their initial implementation within the CREMS prototype are presented. An example consultation with the system is provided. Ongoing system developments and embellishments are also outlined. The utility of this system lies in optimizing the robot performance of work tasks on as many construction projects in a contractor's portfolio as feasible. Thus, economic benefits of ro...

Fleet management trials in western Canada

Abstract: THE PURPOSE of this paper is to describe the components of a fleet management system and the preliminary findings of two demonstration projects. Being Canadian based, the paper opens with an overview of the Canadian road-vehicle system. Statistics are given for the road network and the estimated numbers of various types of vehicles. The Canadian Vision 2000 initiative, which is being spear headed by Communications Canada, and consists of approximately 50 communications related companies working in various consortiums, is briefly described. A Western Canadian consortia, consisting of a communications manufacturer, a systems integrator and two carriers, are carrying out various demonstration projects over the next three years. The first project discussed is an assessment of current Canadian digital mapping data for the application of vehicle navigation systems and the second is a test with the Calgary Police Department using Pulsearch's NavTraxTMfleet management system in five vehicles. Some conclusions based on experience to date conclude the paper.

Highway environment information system interests and features survey

Abstract: Following completion of the Wide Area Vehicle Monitoring (WAVM) project which resulted in the successful introduction of a Canadian satellite-based vehicle message communications and location system, known as Road KIT commercially, for use by the trucking industry, a project was undertaken to investigate and plan for a highway environment information system for fleet management applications in Ontario. When real time highway information could be made available to the commercial fleets, fleet operators equipped with two-way communications and vehicle location system could then respond to adverse highway conditions by rescheduling the trip, or advising drivers to take alternate routes to avoid being caught in a congestion queue. The benefits would be increased transportation industry productivity and reduced congestion and incidents on the highway. This paper will describe the project background, the trucking industry and inter-city bus industry interests in highway information service, the trucking industry needs for highway information service, the type, frequency, and coverage of highway information required, results of a industry focus group discussion, the marketability of the highway information to the trucking industry, and the study conclusion.

The universal close-range road/vehicle communication system concept - the numerous applications of the enhanced avi

Abstract: When the Automatic Vehicle Identification Concept (AVI) started it was simply an Electronic Tag. Today, with a 2 way communication capability, programmability and intelligence, it has graduated to a full fledged Close-Range Road/Vehicle Communication System (CRCS). Its applications include vehicle identification, vehicle location, 2 way vehicle communication, fleet management and more. This paper, the first in a series of complementary papers that cover the enhanced AVI system/CRCS concept and describe a number of the different applications of this low cost, high impact technology that is revolutionizing the road transportation system. This paper gives an overall view of the CRCS concept and representative applications from every area of IVHS. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD Abstract no. 807788.

Scenarios and communications system architectures for integrated RTI/IVHS Applications

Abstract: The DRIVE project TARDIS (Traffic And Roads - DRIVE Integrated Systems) has as its main objective the specification of functional requirements of an Integrated Road Transport Environment (IRTE), in order to provide a common framework for technical developments in which the different system operating philosophies in different countries can still be embodied. A framework has been developed for assessing various communication system architectures into which the following RTI/IVHS applications can be integrated: dynamic route guidance advanced traffic control parking management and information public transport management and information fleet management tourist information automatic debiting. Within this framework a simulation model has been developed which allows the analysis of the communications infrastructure necessary to support a particular scenario for integration. The broadly-based TARDIS consortium, which includes national highway authorities, Government research organisations, automotive manufacturers, electronics industry and consultancies, developed a number of integration scenarios for analysis, taking into account the administrative, commercial, practical and technical viability of their implementation. The scenarios have been developed in liaison with preliminary work on the pilot projects expected to form the basis of the successor programme to DRIVE, and the results of the scenario analysis are anticipated to form a major input to the development of the pilot projects. The paper describes the simulation techniques developed within TARDIS and presents the scenarios being analysed, together with some results of the analysis and conclusions about the concept of the IRTE.

A fleet management system for road transportation

Abstract: In this paper, an architecture for a fleet management system for road transportation companies is being proposed. This fleet management system integrates planning support with mobile communications to solve the problems found within trip planning and trip execution.

Conversion of the texas department of transportation 6- and 10-yard dump truck fleet from standard to automatic transmissions. final report

Abstract: Increasingly, and especially over the last decade, US trucking operations are favoring automatic truck transmissions over manual transmissions Such growth has been the result of the various benefits that are associated with automatic transmissions, including reduced cost, better maintenance, and improved safety With approximately 2,600 dump trucks in its vehicle fleet, the Texas Department of Transportation could potentially benefit from converting the current manual transmissions of these vehicles to automatic transmissions Thus, this report (1) identifies, through a life-cycle cost analysis, the financial impact represented by the conversion to, and maintenance of, an automatic dump truck fleet (as against a manual-transmission fleet) and (2) analyzes the operational benefits of an automatic transmission dump truck fleet The benefits described and discussed were identified from a literature review, from a survey of current practices in other states, and through interviews with selected fleet managers and vehicle operators

Clean air act and future transportation fuels. in: the transportation impacts of the clean air act: mobile source emissions and alternative fuels. abstracted proceedings. des moines, iowa, july 25-26, 1991

Abstract: This paper discusses the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the attempt by the U.S. to reach its provisions. Specifically, the author explains several programs within the above-mentioned Act which involve fuels modification. These are: reformulated gasoline program, California pilot and clean-fueled fleet programs, transit buses and particulate matter in emissions, and renewable fuels.

CONTRALTO: Constraint Reasoning Applied to Logistics for Transport Organisations

Abstract: This paper presents an attempt to apply the constraint reasoning paradigm to a real life problem. It has involved three types of skill: that of road freight transport operators, the transport logicist, and the Artificial Intelligence specialist.

Personnel and cargo transport in antarctica. analysis of current u.s. transport system

Abstract: : An analysis of the National Science Foundation's surface vehicle fleet in Antarctica is reported on here. Surface vehicle needs have been determined through interviews of vehicle users, managers and maintainers, and from direct on-site observation. An ideal grouping of vehicle categories is proposed that will address current needs and provide flexibility for the future. Ultimately, recommendations for streamlining and modernizing the NSF Antarctic vehicle fleet are made. Cargo transportation over snow was identified as being in a crisis state. Personnel movement functions for all but traversing are performed adequately at this time, although there is much room for improvement. Brands and models must be selected for some categories of recommended vehicle types. This will naturally follow a more in-depth analysis of candidates and discussions with NSF vehicle managers. A purchasing plan, including a time table, budget, and desired sequence of replacement, must then be formulated and executed.

Documentation for CNG fleet-conversion cost-effectiveness model. Interim report

Abstract: Environmental issues relating to air quality and energy efficiency continue to ignite state and national policy debates. Because fossil-fueled vehicles have most often been identified as contributors to these environmental problems, there has been much new legislation at the state level aimed at converting state-owned vehicles to the use of alternative fuels. Following this trend, the Texas Legislature in 1989adopted alternative fuels legislation that affects the entire state, including non-attainment areas. Specifically, Texas Senate Bin 740, which took effect September 1, 1991, requires certain state agencies to purchase new vehicles capable of operating on natural gas or on a fuel having similar emissions characteristics. The Texas Air Control Board subsequently ruled that propane and electricity also qualify as alternative fuels. The agencies affected by this legislation include all metropolitan authorities, all school districts having more than 50 buses, and all state agencies having more than 15 vehicles (excluding law enforcement and other emergency vehicles). Affected agencies can, however, receive a waiver if they demonstrate either that (1) operating a natural gas-powered fleet is more expensive than operating a gasoline or diesel fleet over its useful life, or that (2) alternative fuels are not available in sufficient supply. Because natural gas is plentiful in Texas, the determination of waiver eligibility has focused on· the first condition-the economic feasibility of converting to natural gas, the fuel of choice in the new legislation. Thus, this project developed a method by which affected agencies, in their attempts to fulfill the requirements of Senate Bill 740, can document the cost of conversion to such alternative fuels.

Assessment of advanced technologies for transit and rideshare applications. final report

Abstract: The report presents the results of a study to examine advanced technologies and systems that can be applied to high occupancy vehicles, ridesharing and transit needs. Advanced technologies can be used to encourage the use of transit and rideshare facilities by improving their attractiveness and accessibility to travelers. In addition, they have the potential to increase the efficiency of transit and rideshare operations, reducing operational costs while offering higher levels of services to the public. Technologies were reviewed in the areas of traveler information systems, traffic management systems, fleet management and control systems, and automatic vehicle control systems. Within these areas, developments in the U.S., Europe and Japan were considered and a number of individual technologies were identified. The study also included a review of current moves toward a national intelligent vehicle-highway systems (IVHS) program. An outline of IVHS projects and activities directed at high occupancy vehicles, rideshare and transit vehicles has been prepared. These cover research, development, operational testing and standard setting activities for the technologies.

The Feeding Habits of Diesel Engines: A Review of Alternate Fuels for the Fleet Operator

Abstract: The subject of alternate fuels has been addressed for the past 20 years in an effort to solve emissions and world fuel supply concerns. A recent study of the available literature and technology to date point out a need for a single source of information for the fleet operator. This article has been prepared with the fleet operator in mind. Detailed discussions of internal engine designs have been deleted, along with the chemical composition and stoichiometry of the fuels discussed. Instead, an emphasis has been placed on operating principles, maintenance considerations and infrastructure required.