Freight-specific data derived from intelligent transportation systems

Abstract

Freight planning is an increasingly visible topic in the arena of transportation planning. Freight planning metrics and benchmarks can help state agencies select and assess the impact of improvement projects with respect to freight mobility. Given the unique patterns of freight flow, freight metrics are most valuable when derived from freight-specific data. Extraction of timely freight-specific data to support freight planning efforts is not, however, always straightforward. Washington State, the primary focus of this study, has been developing potential methodologies for extracting and applying freight-specific data in benchmarking freight projects. The Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) of Washington State deployed intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies [Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and automated vehicle identification (AVI)] with the stated goal of collecting freight-specific data. An examination of the data collected for the FMSIB benchmarking test reveals that both sources of data—GPS and AVI—can support the freight planning process. This paper highlights results of the FMSIB study, the comparative accuracy of the two data sources, and the uses of each for planning purposes.