ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF MOBILE AND MODULAR HOUSING SHIPMENTS BY HIGHWAYS. VOL. I. RESEARCH REPORT

The objective was to obtain data needed to reach rational decisions regarding state regulations so that wide-load movements can be made as safely as possible, without undue economic burdens to the purchasers of such homes, to the states, or to other users of the highways. The project included extensive photographic and visual observations of vehicular traffic in the vicinity of 12- and 14-ft wide mobile and modular homes in 20 states, with about 12,000 miles being logged on 63 trips. Nearly 3,000 motorists were stopped on the highways of six states and interviewed. These interview and associated mail-back questionnaires were analyzed to determine public opinions concerning many vehicles including mobile homes. Extensive costs and operational data were obtained from carriers of wide loads. Additionally, cost and regulation information were gathered from officials of most states. After assembling and combining all of these data, a number of subjects were addressed, including: (1) the need for permits; (2) the advisability of multiple-trip permits; (3) permit costs; (4) permit reciprocity; (5) the advisability of divisible loads; (6) the use of divided vs two-lane roads; (7) reasonable speeds for wide loads; (8) rear lighting needs; (9) the advisability of escort vehicles; (10) differences between 12- and 14-wides; (11) differences between mobiles and modulars; (12) specific safety hazards noted; and (13) regulatory questions such as signing, flagging, etc.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Two volumes also available separately: Vol. 1, Research Report, PB-239112/AS, Repr. PC; $7.50; and Vol. 2, Appendices, PB-239113/AS, Repr. PC; $7.00. Also published as a monograph by Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City, Missouri.
• Corporate Authors:

  Midwest Research Institute

  425 Volker Boulevard
  Kansas City, MO  United States  64110-2299
• Authors:
  • Glauz, W D
  • Hutchinson, B M
  • Kobett, D R
• Publication Date: 1974-4

Media Info

• Pagination: 224 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Economic conditions; Economic impacts; Highway traffic; Mobile homes; Oversize loads; Public opinion; Shipments; Travelers
• Old TRIS Terms: Vehicular traffic
• Subject Areas: Economics; Freight Transportation; Highways; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00082851
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-74- 63 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: FH-11-7989
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 8 1976 12:00AM