THE LOWER MAINLAND (VANCOUVER) TRUCK FREIGHT STUDY

The Lower Mainland Truck Freight Study is a comprehensive study of the trucking industry and goods movement in the Greater Vancouver/Fraser Valley Region. This study incorporated a number of data collection activities to facilitate a thorough understanding of the current situation, as well as the development of a truck demand forecasting model that would permit this understanding to be applied in future truck movement analyses. The current study expanded on a 1988 study, by increasing the geographic scope, including more types of truck trips such as those generated by special generators such as ports, airports and inter-modal yards, and through development of an improved truck demand forecasting model. Surveys were conducted to quantify the regional truck activity of internal trips, trips at special generator sites and external trips. A vehicle volume and classification survey supplemented the survey of truck activity and provides the basis for calibration and validation of the truck demand forecasting model. The data and forecasting tool provided a valuable snapshot of traffic patterns and characteristics as well as policy sensitive forecasts of truck activity. A number of further studies are suggested to enhance the region’s ability to address goods movement and trucking related issues. The study was funded by eight agencies ranging from the federal government to port authorities. A trademark of this study was the successful inter-agency collaboration throughout the project, from funding negotiations to project delivery and useful input from nonfunding stakeholders such trucking and terminal operators. This can serve as an example for future large scale transportation studies.