Showing papers on "Fleet management published in 1993"

A game theoretic/network equilibrium solution approach for the railroad freight car management problem

Abstract: The paper presents the development and solution procedures of a mathematical model of the management of a fleet of cars shared by autonomous profit maximizing managers faced with time-varying demands requiring shared service responsibility. Motivation for the model development arises from the freight car management problem, in which many railroads independently manage an interchangeable fleet of cars that serve customers with time-dependent origin-destination patterns; this often requires the cooperative service of more than one railroad. The problem is formulated as an N -person, noncooperative game played on a temporal-spatial network. An iterative sequential procedure is developed for which car management decisions for each railroad over a specified time horizon are based on the previously calculated optimized decisions of car management decisions for all other railroads. Several realistic test case problems are reported that exhibit rapid convergence to an equilibrium solution. It is proposed that this modeling procedure be used as a basis for evaluating (and possibly generating optimal) interrailroad agreements for the exchange of empty freight cars.

Dual-Ascent Procedures for Multicommodity Location-Allocation Problems with Balancing Requirements

Abstract: The multicommodity location-allocation problem with balancing requirements is related to one of the major logistics issues faced by distribution and transportation firms: the management of the fleet of vehicles over a medium to long-term planning horizon. We present a dual-ascent approach for this formulation which may be used either to obtain a good heuristic solution, or to compare sharp bounds in a branch-and-bound scheme. We present and compare two variants of this approach, and analyze their performances both on a large number of randomly generated problems and on a large-scale application to the strategic/tactical planning of the land operations of an international maritime container shipping firm. Our results demonstrate that a dual-ascent approach is highly effective in this context.

Private fleet use: a transaction cost model

Abstract: This article reports on a test of the influence of Transaction Cost Analysis (TCA) in the context of private fleet use. The first section of the article outlines the background of the research problem including the importance of the private fleet decision and the role of the private fleet in the firm's transportation function. The second section reviews the economics and logistics literature relevant to the choice of a private fleet alternative. Purchasing, TCA, and previous carrier selection literatures are reviewed in this section. The third section details the design and execution of the research study, including questionnaire design, pretesting, and sample selection. The fourth section discusses the results of the survey and the test of the TCA based model. The last section considers the implications and limitations of the survey results.

Integrated method of guidance, control, information, protection and communication

Abstract: The invention refers to a combined method of wire and wireless 2-way continuous communication between people, vehicles and equipment, that is applicable to urban centers and greater areas, seeking to satisfy requirements and supply services towards the residents of the application area, mainly providing: information and guidance of people, while walking in the areas of application; information, guidance and processing of embarcation, disembarcation and booking for public transport services; control and guidance from a control centre for the coordination, safety and effective movement of fleets (fleet management) consisting of groups of vehicles (i.e. police, delivery, ambulance, fire trucks etc.); information for finding parking spaces, guidance and processing of the parking procedure in parking lots; integrated system for alarm and immediate coordinated action, caused by violent act, terrorist activity, fire or health emergency situations; automatic notification of the corresponding service and action towards traffic regulation in case of unexpected events (i.e. traffic accident), providing priority to certain types of vehicles; exchange of messages between pedestrians or vehicle drivers in the areas of application (mobile telephony); automatic call and tracking of hired vehicles (TAXIS); hotel reservations, athletic events, concerts etc., with detailed information about seat availability, schedules, prices etc; surveillance of the road network of a greater area, and information of drivers for ice on the pavement, flood, fog, or gust along a road segment, or an atmospheric pollution incident. The method is supported by digital maps, databases, Central Control and Data Processing Unit, supporting units and a position estimation method.

ITS Intelligent Transportation System: fleet management with GPS dead reckoning, advanced displays, smartcards, etc

Abstract: The ITS Intelligent Transportation System is provided as a modular construction set for enhanced fleet navigation and operational management, as well as passenger service and information. ITS provides fully autonomous vehicle operation through shifting as much intelligence as possible from the control center to the vehicles. ITS utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or dead reckoning for autonomous vehicle location (AVL) and vehicle navigation and provides the fully autonomous vehicle functions for AVM, including schedule adherence, traffic signal pre-emption, and management of on-board passenger service facilities such as destination display, stop announcement and passenger counting.

Transportation energy data book: edition 13

Abstract: The purpose of this volume is to present relevant statistical data in the form of tables and graphs. Each of the major transportation modes -- highway, air, water, rail, pipeline -- is treated in separate chapters or sections. Chapter 1 compares U.S. transportation data with data from seven other countries. Aggregate energy use and energy supply data for all modes are presented in Chapter 2. The highway mode, which accounts for over three-fourths of total transportation energy consumption, is dealt with in Chapter 3. Topics in this chapter include automobiles, trucks, buses, fleet automobiles, federal standards, fuel economies, and vehicle emission data. Household travel behavior characteristics are displayed in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 contains information on alternative fuels and alternatively-fueled vehicles. the last chapter, Chapter 6, covers each of the nonhighway modes: air, water, pipeline, and rail, respectively.

TIRIS: a vehicle tracking system using passive radio transponders

Abstract: The author concentrates on radio lagging applications related to vehicles, and illustrates these with reference to a number of customer projects. Radio identification systems are being developed to use microwave frequencies. Passive radio frequency ID systems are used for parking access control, site/fleet management, fuel management, tyre management, public service vehicles, emergency vehicles, and for container freight and automatic guided vehicles. >

A system for fleet management using differential GPS and VHF data transmission mobile networks

Abstract: In a number of industries and services, communication with the land vehicles of the fleet has been done through VHF radio systems. This mode of operation brings into question the possibility of using this same VHF equipment to transmit and receive data for position fleet management due to this fundamental advantage. It is possible, although there are a number of limitations and disadvantages in these communication systems, mainly because of the limited propagation properties and the limited availability of channels. These problems can be reduced by means of appropriate system design and data format.

The Fleet Design Problem

Abstract: Managing a fleet of vehicles requires procuring and replacing capital equipment like buses or planes that provide transportation services. Replacement costs exhibit economies of scale while maintenance costs exhibit dis-economies of scale. This paper makes three contributions. First, it develops the first formal models for determining optimal steady-state fleei designs. Second, it gives a well-defined and consistent definition of optimality for steady-state fleet designs. Third, it characterizes optimal steady-state fleet designs by showing that all replacement groups must be equally sized. This result makes computing optimal steady-state fleet designs possible since the computational effort is independent of the size of the fleet.

Proceedings of the ieee-iee vehicle navigation and information systems conference : ottawa congress centre, october 12-15, 1993 : vnis '93

Abstract: This conference proceedings contains the papers presented at the 4th Vehicle Navigation and Information Systems Conference held in Ottawa Ontario, October 12-15, 1993 on the topic of technologies that facilitate vehicular communication, location, management and control. The following topics are covered: Digital Maps; Advanced Traveler Information Systems; Advanced Traffic Management Systems; User Interface and Performance Evaluation; Architecture, Communications & Route Guidance; Elderly and Disabled Support; Human Factors for IVHS; Navigation Technology; Advanced Vehicle Control Systems; Institutional Issues; Advanced Public Transportation Systems; Traffic Management; Advanced Fleet Management Systems; Energy & Environment; Airport Navigation, Safety, Communication and Automation; Marine Applications.

Service management systems for public transport-the German approach

Abstract: Service management systems for public transport are used in many countries in Europe and have a great potential for improving the quality of service and therefore its attractiveness to passengers. The equipment provides public transport operators with real-time information on the operational status of the public transport system, which allows them to more effectively manage their fleet, and to take remedial actions if disruptions occur. In addition, these systems can provide real time information to passengers, both on the vehicle and at bus stops and form the basis of intelligent bus priority systems. The components of these systems fall into five broad categories: the vehicle equipment; roadside beacon equipment; the control centre; data communication system; and bus stop displays. Each of these components is described.

The diversity among IVHS navigation systems worldwide

Abstract: More than 100 intelligent vehicle highway system (IVHS) navigation systems are being built worldwide. Japan and the United States are the leaders in developing systems, with the second grouping of countries being Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada. Various positioning technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Radio Determination Satellite System RDSS, dead reckoning, signposts, map matching, and terrestrial RF systems are used more in some countries than in others, and these trends are reported. Countries in some regional blocks use certain positioning technologies more prominently than those used in other blocks. Examples of novel systems in the four basic categories (autonomous, fleet management, advisory, and inventory) are given to illustrate the trend toward specific market penetration and thus the diversity among systems. A brief description of future trends is given.

Impacts of increased goods vehicle weight limits

Abstract: The maximum weights of goods vehicles operating between European Community countries were harmonised on 1 January 1993 (the United Kingdom has a derogation from some of the regulations until 1 January 1999). This harmonisation will increase the maximum permitted weights in the United Kingdom for all types of heavy goods vehicle (rigid, articulated and drawbar) which will affect the composition of the vehicle fleet, structural road wear, etc. In order to estimate the impacts of these changes, TRL conducted a questionnaire survey of goods vehicle operators' responses to the new limits. The survey data were grossed-up to give estimates of the numbers of goods vehicles, amount of goods vehicle travel and overall road wear factors for the new weight limits. (For the purpose of the study it was assumed that there would be no change in the amount of goods moved by road). The results indicated that full implementation of the European Community weight limits in the United Kingdom would lead to a reduction in the number of goods vehicles and annual goods vehicle travel and an increase in road wear. (A)

Nonlinear programming for fleet planning

Abstract: Based on the experience in the application of the linear model of fleet planning, the authors believe that the annual operational costs and the annual transport capacity of a ship are dependent on its average round voyage time. The average round voyage time is a function of the berth occupancy ratio or the average arrival rate in ports of call. The functional relations of these related factors have been deduced by the queueing theory and a nonlinear programming method of fleet planning has then been developed. The new model has been applied to the example of a fictitious crude oil fleet, and the result thus obtained is presented and compared with that from the linear programming model.

Driving future vehicles. chapter 3: the contribution of prometheus to european traffic safety

Abstract: This chapter shows how the European automobile industry's research programme PROMETHEUS is contributing to European traffic safety. PROMETHEUS was launched in 1986. With its partners, it is mainly concerned with safer, cleaner, more efficient road transport. Its researches complement traditional research on vehicles with research on transportation and traffic. It concentrates on the issues of traffic and transport management, harmonised traffic flow, and safe driving. It predicts that modern information technology (IT) will enable real-time data exchange and real-time control to be introduced as new road traffic functions, and help integrate vehicle and traffic control. The traffic and transport management programme addresses selection of transport mode, route and travel time. The programme investigates: (1) travel information services; (2) commercial fleet management; and (3) dual-mode route guidance. The harmonised traffic flow programme addresses traffic management centres and cooperation between road users. This investigates: (1) cooperative driving; (2) autonomous intelligent cruise control; and (3) emergency systems. The safe driving programme is concerned with maintenance of drivers' control over vehicles. This investigates: (1) vision enhancement; (2) proper vehicle operation; and (3) driving with reduced collision risk. PROMETHEUS develops both autonomous and infrastructure-based systems, to be implemented by 1997. Open system architecture is used. For the covering abstract see IRRD 861934.

Trends in digital road map databases for microcomputer applications in transportation

Abstract: Advances in the technology and coverage of precision digital road-map database, combined with advances in the size and data processing capacity of microcomputers, are together contributing to a dramatic revolution in the ability to provide geographically-based solutions to transportation problems. Digital road-map database structures are now available that reduce the data storage requirements by an order of magnitude, and data access times by two orders of magnitude compared to previous approaches. Furthermore, digital hardware technology now provides remarkable computational and storage capacities in small packages at reasonable prices in notebook and in palmtop computers combined with hard disks, CD, ROM, and RAM cards. Even more dramatic advances are expected in the near future. These capabilities, combined with navigation systems (such as GPS, map matching, and radio location), permit users to obtain and utilize precise, geographically-based information, regardless of their location. Such approaches are useful in a wide variety of applications including GIS data collection and utilization, congestion management, transit planning and scheduling, traffic data collection systems, traveler information systems, fleet management, and many more. This paper will discuss present and future trends in geographically-based information and its application to transportation systems, and how these trends are becoming evident from our work in IVHS, navigation, and GIS programs.

Advanced Traveller Information Systems in Europe: A Review of the Prospects for Successful Commercial Operations

Abstract: This paper provides information on the history and evolution of the Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) industry. It reviews recent and current European developments concerned with n-vehicle information systems and the plans for integration with parking and public transport information, fleet management and traffic control systems. It looks ahead to the potential widespread commercial implementation of systems being tested in Europe, and discusses some of the issues which remain outstanding.

Federal methanol fleet project final report.

Abstract: The Federal Methanol Fleet Project concluded with the termination of data collection from the three fleet sites in February 1991. The Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) completed five years of operation, Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) completed its fourth year in the project, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) completed its third. Twenty of the thirty-nine vehicles in the fleet were powered by fuel methanol (typically M85, 85 % methanol, 15 % unleaded gasoline, although the LBL fleet used M88), and the remaining control vehicles were comparable gasoline vehicles. Over 2.2 million km (1.4 million miles) were accumulated on the fleet vehicles in routine government service. Data collected over the years have included vehicle mileage and fuel economy, engine oil analysis, emissions, vehicle maintenance, and driver acceptance. Fuel economies (on an energy basis) of the methanol and gasoline vehicles of the same type were comparable throughout the fleet testing. Engine oil analysis has revealed higher accumulation rates of iron and other metals in the oil of the methanol vehicles, although no significant engine damage has been attributed to the higher metal content. Vehicles of both fuel types have experienced degradation in their emission control systems, however, the methanol vehicles seem to havemore » degraded their catalytic converters at a higher rate. The methanol vehicles have required more maintenance than their gasoline counterparts, in most cases, although the higher levels of maintenance cannot be attributed to ``fuel-related`` repairs. According to the daily driver logs and results from several surveys, drivers of the fleet vehicles at all three sites were generally satisfied with the methanol vehicles.« less

Business integration of fleet management systems

Abstract: Transport by road has been rather like shipping in medieval times; the intrepid explorer/driver would set off, effectively out of touch and out of control until land was reached. Obviously, the quality of management has improved with the introduction of mobile communications by some sectors of the transport market, but goods in carriage still represent the final missing piece of the trade cycle jigsaw. An analysis is made of the new technologies which constitute that final piece of the jigsaw, of which vehicle tracking and fleet management systems are a vital part. The author then looks at the benefits that these technologies offer, and concludes with an assessment of the major problems that are to be overcome before widescale use can be expected.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of texas department of transportation compressed natural gas fleet conversion

Abstract: Increased emphasis on energy efficiency and air quality has resulted in a number of state and federal initiatives examining the use of alternative fuels in motor vehicles. Texas's program for alternative fuels includes compressed natural gas. On the basis of an analysis of 30-year life cycle costs, development of a natural gas vehicle program for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) would cost about $47 million (in 1991 dollars). These costs include savings from lower-priced natural gas, infrastructure costs for a fast-fueling station, vehicle costs, and operating costs. The 30-year life cycle costs translate into an average annual vehicle cost increase of $596, or about 4. 9 cents per vehicle mile of travel, compared with gasoline and diesel. Sensitivity analyses are performed on the discount rate, price of natural gas, maintenance savings, vehicle use, diesel vehicles, extended vehicle life, original equipment manufacturer vehicles, and operating and infrastructure costs. The best results are obtained when not converting diesel vehicles, converting only large fleets, and extending the period the vehicle is kept in service. Combining these factors yields results that are most cost-effective for TxDOT. ·

The application of automatic vehicle location in UK ambulance services

Abstract: Discusses recent innovations in the use of automatic vehicle location (AVLS) technology by UK ambulance services. AVLS has been successfully combined with other mobile communications and computer systems by several forward-thinking services, and has been found to significantly enhance the accident and emergency dispatch and fleet management functions. The three basic sub-systems comprising an AVLS are examined, the mobile navigation element, the data transmission system and the central office information processing system. The different approaches used by various commercial suppliers for each are discussed, and consideration is given to the need for integrations between the various AVLS components and other ambulance and control room-based systems. Some typical emergency ambulance dispatch scenarios are examined in the context of the role for AVLS, and indications given as to the commercial justifications for implementation and associated user benefits resulting. The future for adoption of these and other related systems beyond the ambulance services in the other emergency and public safety organisations is discussed. >

Equipment replacement analysis for publicly owned fleets

Abstract: The economic life of equipment is the point in time when the sum of all equipment costs are minimum. The factors associated with equipment costs are operating and maintenance costs, ownership costs, obsolescence costs, parts cost, downtime cost and training costs. With today's economy, public sector agencies are finding it more and more difficult to acquire the funding necessary to operate, maintain and replace their equipment fleets. In many cases, equipment is used far beyond its optimum economic life because of this lack of funding. In these cases, the fleet manager requires some method of prioritizing the equipment replacement list. -- In order to effectively plan equipment replacement purchases, the fleet manager must have the ability to forecast future costs. In some cases, geographic location has an impact on delivery time of new equipment to the public agency and forecasting future equipment costs can provide the lead time necessary to order the new equipment before the end of its economic life. In other cases, the timing of budget approval for replacement funding can delay the purchase of new equipment. -- The criteria used for deciding when equipment should be replaced vary from one agency to the next. There are also some differences in the criteria used depending on whether the agency is public or privately owned. -- There are several fleet replacement techniques available to the fleet owner. In general terms, the life cycle cost method, interval life method and nomographs are commonly used. Each method has varying degrees of complexity. The causes of each method depends on the accuracy of the input information used by the fleet manager. -- Commercially prepared software is available to the fleet manager to assist in the equipment replacement decision. These software packages perform different types of fleet management functions. Fleet managers should thoroughly investigate the software being considered to ensure it fulfils their needs. -- Fleet replacement models can be developed in-house or by computer software consultants. The model should be designed so that it is adaptable and easily modified by the fleet owner. It should have the ability to compile cost data in a concise and logical format. It should also have the capability of forecasting future equipment costs and provide the fleet manager with a priority listing of equipment to be replaced.

EUTELTRACS: an innovative system for a changing industry

Abstract: EUTELTRACS a satellite-based messaging and positioning system, allows its transport industry users to maintain two-way contact, even in the most difficult circumstances, without sacrificing the security of a private communications network. Of the mobile communication systems currently available on the market, EUTELTRACS is the only one that offers a fully integrated service of messages/data transmission and automatic position reports. The EUTELTRACS system comprises: the mobile communication terminal or MCT, QTRACS fleet management software installed at a computer at the company, and the EUTELTRACS European service network. >

Fleet management-a pan-European approach

Abstract: Outlines a conceptual approach to the modular development of systems associated with the management and control of vehicle fleets. The potential mutual benefits of such interdependent systems are identified. Methods of ensuring implementation and adoption of such systems are proposed for discussion, these include: enforced adoption through legislation; subsidised operation; expansion and integration of existing systems. The common ground between the requirements of institutional and administrative bodies are identified in order that a single framework can be described.