MODELING AND ROUTE GUIDANCE OF TRUCKS IN METROPOLITAN AREAS

In this report, the authors examine the effect of trucks on traffic flow and consider methods for routing trucks through a complex transportation network. Using truck and driver models, the authors show that because of the slower dynamical response of trucks relative to passenger vehicles, lower traffic flow rates result and traffic flow characteristics are influenced. Routing algorithms are developed for trucks in a transportation network that involves highways and surface streets. Deterministic dynamic routing techniques are used to route trucks through a complex transportation network in order to minimize travel time. The algorithms are simulated using a traffic network from the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The authors demonstrate that dynamic routing could significantly reduce travel time which could also result in considerable savings and more efficient movement of goods.