The ability to retrieve accurate information from databases without an extensive knowledge of the contents and organization of each database is extremely beneficial to the dissemination and utilization of freight data. The challenges, however, are: 1) correctly identifying only the relevant information and keywords from questions when dealing with multiple sentence structures, and 2) automatically retrieving, preprocessing, and understanding multiple data sources to determine the best answer to user’s query. Current named entity recognition systems have the ability to identify entities but require an annotated corpus for training which in the field of transportation planning does not currently exist. A hybrid approach which combines multiple models to classify specific named entities was therefore proposed as an alternative. The retrieval and classification of freight related keywords facilitated the process of finding which databases are capable of answering a question. Values in data dictionaries can be queried by mapping keywords to data element fields in various freight databases using ontologies. A number of challenges still arise as a result of different entities sharing the same names, the same entity having multiple names, and differences in classification systems. Dealing with ambiguities is required to accurately determine which database provides the best answer from the list of applicable sources. This dissertation 1) develops an approach to identify and classifying keywords from freight related natural language queries, 2) develops a standardized knowledge representation of freight data sources using an ontology that both computer systems and domain experts can utilize to identify relevant freight data sources, and 3) provides recommendations for addressing ambiguities in freight related named entities. Finally, the use of knowledge base expert systems to intelligently sift through data sources to determine which ones provide the best answer to a user’s question is proposed. / text

Historically, wagons have been designed according to the American Association of Railroads specifications. These require that wagons be designed to withstand a static load between the couplers of 350 tons. This implies that the structure has a certain stiffness. In order to improve load to tare ratio, there has been talk of reducing the end load specifications. This implies that the stiffness of the wagon will reduce. Using more flexible wagons implies that the freight will probably be exposed to a harsher dynamic environment. There is a trade off between the cost of packaging and the cost of protection devices installed in the vehicle. If handling damage can be prevented then an understanding of the dynamic environment will assist in reducing the packaging requirement. This research looked at the dynamic characteristics of an existing design of wagon using modal analysis. The results from the modal analysis were extended to be inputs to the time domain freight model. Various analytical models of the freight were developed depending on the configuration and dynamic properties. Special consideration was given to a cylinder with its axis transverse to the wagon. The modal model was modified to accommodate the change in mass imposed by the freight. The various sources of dynamic excitation were explored, namely inputs from the coupler and from the bogie. Data from shunting yard simulations were used to generate spectra as input to the wagon model. The objective was to use modal techniques to be able to take individual components, form them into a complete model and make informed decisions about the suitability of a certain configuration for traffic. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

In the early 1920s, discontent about freight rates led to a number of major political battles. Statistical analysis and a review of contemporary reports suggest that the economic importance of these issues was greatly exaggerated. They were blamed for problems which were mainly attributable to such factors as the world-wide recession, the movement of the terms of trade against agricultural producers or the trend towards industrial concentration. / Examination of official documents and private papers indicates that government policy-making on freight rates was influenced by political priorities (especially winning back the West), lobbying by affected interests and the opinions of strong-minded individuals. The King Government intervened in the question of railway rates, but its procrastination, obfuscation and reversals of policy reduced the political credit it received for the concessions it decided to make. Its abortive initiatives on lake and ocean rates were empty political gestures, made out of ignorance of the economics of these complex issues.

Thesis (M. Sc.(Urb. Plan.))--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 119-124).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität, Karlsruhe, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 179-189).

The thesis focuses on comparison of road and rail freight in the South Bohemia rogion. The subjects of comparison were the ČSAD Jihotrans and the CD Cargo companies. The thesis consists of three parts: 1. transport of commodity {--} raw wood (round timber) by CD Cargo, 2. regular (daily) transport by ČSAD Jihotrans, 3. transport of cars by both companies and treir comparison. The main criterions are: time, systém of transport ordering, price and additional services provided. The aim was to use the services of both companies and to compare them from the viewpoint of a customer. From the results of the practical part of the thesis and after overall comparison of all the criterions I can conclude that road freight is more advantageous for the customers. However, we should not leave out of consideration the potentials of both types of cargo transport. Rail freight is of key importance in high-volume international cargo transport with a high percentage share in the transport of cars as well as of other commodities. Rail freight also better corresponds to the high requirements of the society on a sensitive approach of the companies to enviroment.

This diploma thesis describes ocean freight LCL export shipment from the Czech republic to USA. Freight forwarder not only arranges the transportation, he can also offer complementary services like warehousing, packing or customs clearance of shipment. After definition of freight forwarding I described current situation on the ocean freight transportation market, especially infrastrucuture and means of transportation. There are more strict rules for shipments imported to USA. In cooperation with customs declaration I tried to describe all the steps, that are necessary to start arranging export shipment. The last part of diploma thesis describes specific business case of arranging LCL export shipment to USA.

Lately, the attractiveness of cities has contributed to a rise in vehicle movements to and from cities. The growth of freight movements in cities predictably will be one of the critical issues of the near future. Congestion caused by the increased movements of freight impacts the flow of private and transit vehicles. Thus, it is crucial to reduce the congestion on multimodal corridors. Components of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) such as Freight Signal Priority (FSP) and Transit Signal Priority (TSP) that promote the freight and transit vehicles may not only help solve these conditions but may assist with the sustainability of the system. The primary objective of this research is to develop guidelines for traffic agencies to implement signal priorities based on identified decision factors on certain corridors. Besides, this study evaluates the efficiency of FSP and TSP in improving the performance of freight and transit systems. Finally, inclusive guidelines are drawn up based on the literature and the conducted simulation. The developed guidelines apply to corridors where freight delay plays a vital role in the assessment of corridor benefits. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection