AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF RAILROAD AND TRUCK LINE-HAUL WORK (ENERGY) REQUIREMENTS

The purpose of this paper is to compare the propulsive work requirements of line-haul movement by rail and truck in order to identify those characteristics of such movements which affect the absolute and relative amounts of energy required. This study includes rail movement in conventional cars, rail movement in truck trailers on flat cars (TOFC or piggyback), and over-the-road movement in various types of trailer trucks. Market or movement situation characteristics such as the weight and size of shipments, the average speed, and route profile conditions are varied. In order to identify the effects of varying mode and market characteristics, the work requirements are estimated using engineering relationships, in contrast to most prior comparisons which have used averaged empirical (statistical) data. These engineering models yield point estimates under certain route profile conditions, while in others where an excessive amount of data on the profile would be required a few route parameters can be used to estimate a range of work requirements. These models should be generally useful in comparing energy requirements of transport modes.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Proceedings of the Third National Conference (Conf-760895), Effects of Energy Constraints on Transportation Systems, Union College, Schenectady, New York, August 2-6, 1976. Entire volume of Proceedings in RRIS, 165077; RRIS Bulletin 7801.
• Corporate Authors:

  Energy Research and Development Administration

  20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Morlok, E K
• Conference:
  • Proceedings of the Third National Conference (Conf-760895), Effects of Energy Constraints on Transportation Systems, Union College, Schenectady, New York, August 2-6, 1976. Entire volume of Proceedings in RRIS, 165077; RRIS Bulletin 7801.
• Publication Date: 1977-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 82-107

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Competition; Energy consumption; Freight trains; Motor carriers; Piggyback transportation; Transportation modes
• Old TRIS Terms: Energy intensiveness
• Subject Areas: Energy; Freight Transportation; Motor Carriers; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167520
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Energy Research and Development Administration
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 27 1977 12:00AM