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Freight Transportation

Commentary
Japan's Long-Awaited Return to Geopolitics
In very short order, Japan moved to change decades of strategic thinking and embark on a new approach to security. The stark reality of geopolitics and the realization that what was once hypothetical is now possible were likely enough to convince Japan that the time for a new approach to its security is now.
Feb 6, 2023
Commentary
The Problem of Intra-Theater Lift: Moving Things Around in the Pacific Area of Responsibility
The U.S. joint force's ability to move materiel and people across oceans and continents is unique among militaries. But there are challenges all along the supply chain, addressed by different agencies and military commands in a complicated set of processes, and a collective reluctance to assume responsibility for the mission.
Sep 6, 2022
Journal Article
Technologies for Primary Screening in Aviation Security
The article examines technologies currently in use and emerging technologies with potential for use in the primary screening of carry-on baggage, checked baggage and air cargo.
Jul 21, 2022
Journal Article
Arctic Shipping Guidance from the CMIP6 Ensemble on Operational and Infrastructural Timescales
The expectation of a seasonally ice-free Arctic by mid-century has sparked interest in Arctic opportunities and risks. This paper presents a framework for obtaining more timely and salient information to guide decisions relevant to operational and infrastructural horizons.
Jul 30, 2021
Journal Article
Decarbonising UK Transport: Final Report and Technology Roadmaps
The report sets out a series of 7 technological roadmaps to reduce and remove direct emissions from the UK's domestic transport by 2050.
Jul 15, 2021
Report
The Risk-Mitigation Value of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential: A Comprehensive Security Assessment of the TWIC Program
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is designed to enhance security at U.S. ports. This report provides the findings from an assessment of the TWIC program, along with the assessors' recommendations.
May 13, 2020
Report
Approaches to Strategic Sealift Readiness
The authors examine the readiness of the strategic sealift fleet and its management. They determine that many factors can be improved to increase readiness and make recommendations toward that end.
Aug 8, 2019
Report
Evaluating the Impact of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) on Fatigue and the Implications for Driver Safety
Summarizes findings from a review of the literature on whole-body vibration (WBV) and fatigue, in addition to looking at study designs and methodology for providing more rigorous investigations of the impact of WBV on fatigue and driver safety.
Oct 22, 2015
Report
Road traffic demand elasticities: A rapid evidence assessment
This study presents findings of a rapid evidence assessment of literature to better understand the factors driving road transport demand for both passengers and freight.
Jan 15, 2015
Report
Maximizing Throughput at Soft Airfields
Shows that there is an optimum landing weight that allows for maximum cargo delivery on soft landing fields. This optimum weight is constant and independent of both aircraft ramp weight and the ability of the soil to resist compressive loads.
Apr 23, 2013
Report
Integrating the Department of Defense Supply Chain
Provides a guide for the design and improvement of Department of Defense supply chain policy, structure, and management practices, along with associated opportunities for efficiency gains.
Sep 4, 2012
Commentary
Revisiting 100% Inspection
It is good that the congressmen have asked the Obama administration to revisit supply chain security. However, precipitous changes to how the global supply chain operates do not seem warranted, may not in fact improve security, and could have costly unintended consequences, writes Henry Willis.
Jul 6, 2012
Report
A Federal Role in Freight Planning and Finance
Congestion within the U.S. freight system has increased dramatically in the past few decades, costing travelers, consumers, and businesses billions of dollars each year. A federal policy is offered to address the challenges faced by the U.S. freight network in an environment dominated by declining revenues and public resistance to increasing taxes.
Mar 21, 2012
Commentary
No Data? Big Problem.
Good data can inform decision makers about what really works—how best to relieve congestion and improve supply-chain connectivity to make freight transportation—and hence the U.S. economy—more competitive, write Mortimer Downey, Joseph Schofer, and Johanna Zmud.
Mar 19, 2012
Journal Article
Recrafting Scenario Practice to Achieve Robust Long-Term Decisions
In this essay, we are concerned with the question: How does what might happen in 2050 affect decisions about the freight transport sector today? How do we make near-term choices that last over the long term? In other words, how do we make decisions today that are robust over a wide range of alternative futures?
Feb 1, 2012
Commentary
A System Under Strain
Our transportation future will be multi-layered and complex—bounded by transportation infrastructure that is under-funded on the one hand and ever-expanding congestion and capacity constraints on the other, writes Johanna Zmud.
Sep 30, 2011
Journal Article
Deterring the Smuggling of Nuclear Weapons in Container Freight Through Detection and Retaliation
The authors quantify a game-theoretic model of terrorist decision making to understand the role of nuclear detection technologies in deterring nuclear terrorism.
Jan 1, 2011
Research Brief
Modernizing the U.S. Freight-Transportation System for Future Economic Growth
Describes approaches to modernizing the U.S. freight-transportation system that require whole-system modeling, engagement of all stakeholders, and an understanding of the interdependence between local and national costs and benefits.
Jul 22, 2009
News Release
U.S. Freight System Modernization Necessary to Reduce Bottlenecks, Improve Security
The long-term efficiency and effectiveness of the U.S. freight transportation system is threatened by bottlenecks, inefficient use of some parts of the infrastructure components, vulnerability to disruptions, and crucial environmental and energy concerns.
Jun 9, 2009
Report
U.S. Freight System Modernization Necessary to Reduce Bottlenecks, Improve Security
The long-term efficiency and effectiveness of the U.S. freight transportation system is threatened by bottlenecks, inefficient use of some parts of the infrastructure components, vulnerability to disruptions, and crucial environmental and energy concerns.
Jun 5, 2009

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RAND Topic:
Freight Transportation