| NuRail Project ID | NURail2015-UIC-R15 |
| Project Title | Efficient Goods Movement I Off Peak Delivery Pilot Project |
| University | University of Illinois at Chicago |
| Project Manager | P.S. Sriraj |
| Principal Investigator | Jim LaBelle |
| PI Contact Information | |
| Funding Source(s) and Amounts Provided (by each agency or organization) | |
| Total Project Cost | $ |
| Agency ID or Contract Number | DTRT13-G-UTC52 (Grant 2) |
| Start Date | 2015-08-01 |
| End Date | 2016-08-15 |
| Location | |
| Brief Description of Research Project | Decisions are currently being made about the scope of the off peak delivery pilot project in partnership with SINC, COOT,Chicago Loop Alliance and others. The pilot will focus on businesses in the Chicago downtown area. UTC will arrange for effective execution, monitoring, evaluation and reporting on results of the project. A seminar will be conducted after conclusion of the pilot to set the stage for long term implementation of off peak delivery. Off Peak Delivery can yield significant benefits to rail and intermodal businesses and their customers. Companies up and down the supply chain can benefit. In the Chicago region,the six class one railroads generate 15,000 daily truck trips to and from their customers and 7,500 daily truck trips between intermodal facilities. According to the 2012 Commodity Flow Survey, 25% of goods destined for Chicago by train (measured by value) will make some portion of their journey on a truck. Detailed Scope- first six months: A. Identify business participants and location(s) for the pilot program. B. Design the pilot program to have the best chance of success. 1) Determine type of off peak delivery for each business and how to cover related costs,if any. 2) Identify the elements needed to gain participation by receivers or carriers. 3) Identify government actions that might help shift more deliveries to off peak periods. 4) Determine administrative requirements and costs for the program. 5) Establish a practical plan to pay for the program. C. Determine program evaluation methods and appropriate measures of the project's results. D. Prepare a memorandum on project progress and how to proceed. Detailed Scope- second six months: A. Decide with partners how to proceed with the project. B. If the decision is to proceed,then: 1) Organize,initiate and conduct the pilot project. 2) Publicize and communicate;create an advisory group. 3) Gather data and evaluate results of the project. 4) Draft a report on the project, its results, and recommendations on whether and how to build upon it to implement on ongoing off peak delivery program. C. If the decision is to not proceed,then draft a report on the research, lessons learned, conclusions,and recommendations for future actions to shift more deliveries to off peak periods. D. Conduct a seminar on the project, recommendations and next steps. |
| Describe Implementation of Research Outcomes (or why not implemented) | |
| Photos | |
| Impacts/Benefits of Implementation (actual, not anticipated) | Pertinence to Chicago region, national importance, and contribution to the academy? Impacts include congestion reduction, more efficient goods movement,reduced cost of goods, improved environment. Congestion reduction in the loop is a priority for COOT and they are encouraging UTC's work on off peak delivery. FHwA is also encouraging off peak delivery programs. If off peak delivery is implemented in Chicago,it would gain national recognition based on Chicago's national prominence as a freight center. Results of the pilot will provide an analytical basis for future academic research and implementation of off peak delivery in Chicago and other major metro areas. This project also serves as an example for connecting academic research with partner organizations to achieve practical positive impacts. |
| Web Links | |
| Reports | |
| Project Website | |
| Completed | yes |
| Final Report | NURail2015-UIC-R15_Final_Report_Off_Peak_Delivery.pdf |