Measures of Freight Network Resiliency: An expanded data capture of Truck Drivers and Support Services under Pandemic Distress

In this project, the research team considers an expanded definition of the freight network, beyond roads and warehouses, to include truck drivers and driver support systems. Driver support systems include physical infrastructure like public and private rest stops as well as operational protections like Hours of Service (HOS). COVID-19 responses by public agencies and private citizens have affected drivers and driver support systems by three mechanisms. First, increased demand for medical supplies, food and packaged goods creates a need for more trucks and drivers, and the increased need for quick shipments promotes an environment in which speeding and unsafe driving practices may prevail. Second, with HOS restrictions lifted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) driver fatigue may occur at greater frequency leading to unsafe driving conditions and higher likelihood of accidents. Third, the effects of social distancing mandates can lead to closures of critical, but oft forgotten, freight infrastructure like rest areas and truck stops, leaving drivers without necessary rest opportunities. While any single mechanism has detrimental effects on driver health and safety, the economy, and national recovery efforts, when combined, the system can be pushed to failure. Pandemic responses have only exacerbated critical industry issues like driver shortages, lack of available parking, and HOS compliance issues stemming from electronic logbooks.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $31500
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747130

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center

  University of Arkansas
  Fayetteville, AR  United States  72701
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

  4190 Bell Engineering
  Civil Engineering
  Fayetteville, Arkansas  United States  72701
• Principal Investigators:

  Hernandez, Sarah

• Start Date: 20200508
• Expected Completion Date: 20200930
• Actual Completion Date: 20230930
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: COVID-19; Disaster resilience; Fatigue (Physiological condition); Freight transportation; Hours of labor; Truck drivers; Truck stops
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01752833
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747130
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Sep 24 2020 3:12PM