SWUTC Research Project Description

Title of Project:  Impacts of Dray System Along Ports, Intermodal Yards and Border Ports of Entry

Project Number: 0-5684

Principal Investigator:
Robert Harrison
(512) 232-3113
P.I. Affiliation:  University of Texas at Austin

Project Monitor:
Rick Collins
Texas Department of Transportation
(512) 463-8585

Project Status:  Active

Date Started:  9/1/06

Estimation Completion Date:  8/31/08

Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal:  $73,999

Estimated Cost - Total Planned:  $186,648

Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
Dray operations form critical links in intermodal supply chains, yet drayage is the element that is least studied and therefore least understood. The growth of international trade - much of it moved at some point by the dray industry - now requires planners to have a better understanding of the industry because most sea ports, major border crossings, and distribution terminals are located in or near urban areas. This can produce high percentages of dray truck vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on the same roadways as passenger VMT. High percentages of dray trucks can contribute to congestion and create safety concerns. Also, because dray trucks operate in or near urban areas, their exhaust emissions could have a significant impact on public health compared to the emissions produced by long haul trucks, which log most of their miles in interurban corridors away from population centers. The objectives of this proposal are to (a) determine and quantify the impacts of drayage operations at ports, border ports, inland ports, and intermodal terminals on local communities, and (b) to identify and recommend potential mitigation measures.

Project Objectives:
This study will provide TxDOT with:

1.  An understanding of the characteristics of drayage operations at seaports, border ports of entry, inland ports, and intermodal terminals;

2.  An estimate of the impacts of drayage operations on local communities; and

3.  With recommended mitigation measures to alleviate the identified impacts.

Task Descriptions:
Task 1:  Review Literature

Task 2:  Collect Data to Characterize Dray Operations in Texas

Task 3:  Measure Impacts of Dray Operations in Texas

Task 4:  Identify and Recommend Mitigation Measures

Task 5:  Document Research and Develop Products

Index Terms:
Intermodal Transportation, Freight Transportation, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Drayage, Seaports, Freight Terminals, Vehicle Miles Of Travel, Congestion Management Systems, Safety, Ports, Exhaust Gases, Research Projects