Transportation Energy Futures Series: Freight Transportation Demand: Energy-Efficient Scenarios for a Low-Carbon Future

Abstract

This is one of a series of reports produced as a result of the Transportation Energy Futures (TEF) project, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored multi-agency project initiated to identify underexplored strategies for abating greenhouse gases (GHG) and reducing petroleum dependence related to transportation. The project was designed to consolidate existing transportation energy knowledge, advance analytic capacity-building, and uncover opportunities for sound strategic action.Transportation currently accounts for 71% of total U.S. petroleum use and 33% of the nation's total carbon emissions. The TEF project explores how combining multiple strategies could reduce GHG emissions and petroleum use by 80%. Researchers examined four key areas -lightduty vehicles, non-light-duty vehicles, fuels, and transportation demand -in the context of the marketplace, consumer behavior, industry capabilities, technology and the energy and transportation infrastructure. The TEF reports support DOE long-term planning. The reports provide analysis to inform decisions about transportation energy research investments, as well as the role of advanced transportation energy technologies and systems in the development of new physical, strategic, and policy alternatives.In addition to the DOE and its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, TEF benefitted from the collaboration of experts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory, along with steering committee members from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, academic institutions and industry associations. More detail on the project, as well as the full series of reports, can be found at http://www.eere.energy.gov/analysis/transportationenergyfutures. Contract Nos.

Transportation Energy Futures Series: Freight Transportation Modal Shares: Scenarios for a Low-Carbon Future

“…The tonnage and number of freight shipments within the United States are increasing steadily as demand for consumer goods and other products grows and as manufacturers and retailers move from inventorybased to just-in-time supply chain and distribution systems (Grenzeback et al 2013). Freight transportation demand is typically measured in tons, ton-miles, and value (dollars) of goods moved by the freight sector.…”

“…12 The data are not directly comparable because of the differences in the dates and the underlying accounting and reporting procedures. However, the data provide a general indication of the relative importance of fuel costs in the operation of truck and rail services (Grenzeback et al 2013). 12 The category "Other" in the "Rail Cost Adjustment Factor All-Inclusive Index, 2012" includes purchased services, portions of administrative expenses, and property taxes.…”

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accounting Of Urban Residential Consumption: A Household Survey Based Approach

“…It compares costs, emissions, and cost effectiveness across technology/fuel types for heavy-duty trucks. Section 5 compares transition scenarios to reduce GHGs in the trucking sector, while Section 6 presents new "80- The trucking share of tons and ton-miles is projected to grow slightly at the expense of other sectors (Grenzeback 2013). From a value and tonnage point of view, trucking is the dominant domestic freight mode in the country.…”