Truck Size and Weight Impacts on Vehicle Miles Traveled
Need Statement 711
Problem
Minnesota has a goal of reducing VMT by 20% per capita by 2050. MnDOT has identified several tools to support achieving this goal. VMT reduction tools have not been identified for freight. Would increasing truck size/weight regulations have a positive impact by reducing freight VMT? How much freight VMT would be reduced by increasing load limits by 10, 15 or 20%? What are the considerations in discussing load limits that would be important to consider?
Objective
The objective of this research is to determine:
- How would increasing truck size/weight impact freight VMT and ultimately reduce carbon from the transportation section?
- What are the incremental potential changes?
- What are the issues surrounding each incremental change?
- If truck size/weight were increased, how would the changes affect life cycle costs for pavements and bridges including preventative maintenance on a system basis.
Previous research
None
MnDOT Strategic priorities
- Innovation & Future Needs: Reducing VMT is an aspirational goal of MnDOT. Need tools to impact this goal
- Asset Management: Changes in load limits may impact life cycle of pavements and bridges.
- Safety: This should also consider safety as truck size/weight always has a safety impact.
- Climate Change & Environment: Reducing VMT is a goal to positively impact climate change.
Expected outcomes
- New or improved policy, rules, or regulations
- New or improved business practices, procedure, or process
- New or improved decision support tool, simulation, or model/algorithm (software)
Expected benefits
- Environmental Aspects/Other environmental impact. Decrease freight VMT by allowing greater load limits would have a reduction in carbon benefit. Impact climate change
- Reduce Road User Cost: Reduce congestion
Technical advisory panel
- Kristina Heggedal – MnDOT office of Sustainability and Public Health
- Tim Anderson, Materials
- Yihong Gao, Bridge Office
- Deb DeLucca, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
- Jon Huseby, D8 District Engineer
- Other Freight Advisory Committee Members
- Others TBD