SYSTEM ANALYSIS OF HIGH CAPACITY TRANSPORTS - Impact Assessment in the Terminal Network of DHL Freight Sweden

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to study the potentials and risks of a HCT introduction in the established terminal network of DHL Freight Sweden to provide a holistic understanding from a system perspective of how benefits can be achieved with respect for the environmental, operational, economic and social aspects. The finished report should further contribute to comprehensive knowledge that could be used as a feasibility study and decision basis in an application to the Swedish Transport Agency in order to receive a permit to use HCVs in DHL Freight’s terminal network. Theory: There is not an adequate amount of literature from the Nordic countries or other environments presenting empirical evidence, but most researchers do still agree upon a large potential of HCT and many advantages. The risks of advantages can however create a transmodal shift from inland waterways and rail freight to road freight. Even though there is little empirical evidence that supports this reasoning, it is not unlikely that the demand for road transportation increases further if HCT results in lower costs for the consignors which might cause a transmodal shift. The effects on the overall system differs slightly in previous literature towards the better and worse, depending on the literature's examined environment, type of goods or other contexts in alternative aspects. Method: A case study with a mixed methodology accompanied by an explanatory sequential mixed method is applied. A quantitative model has been developed based on all transportation between the 1st of January and the 12th of October in 2018 in 600 relationships. The majority of the calculations are based on an average fill rate of 75 and 80 % in a LHV and HCV. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted to examine different situations. Three different scenarios have also been reviewed, (a) an analysis of only LHVs in the operations, (b) a theoretical analysis in which HCVs do replace all LHVs and (c) an optimal scenario in which the model computes calculations based on the most advantageous vehicle setup per transport and relationship. Result: HCT can contribute to the development of road transportation in the perspectives of energy consumption and emission releases. It can further strengthen the trade and competitiveness of Swedish haulers. The introduction of HCT does provide a more cost-efficient system for DHL and the society. The socio-economical calculation shows reductions in emissions of approximately 7 % and a yearly reduction in external costs of 25M SEK. The overall safety on the road will also increase as an effect of a changed driving behavior and more importantly less vehicles on the road. The cost benefit calculations show that DHL can decrease their operational costs with approximately 6 % or 56M SEK in total. An introduction of HCVs in the whole system would however result in increased costs as larger vehicles are neither required nor appropriate between all 600 relationships in the terminal network of DHL.