This study is based on trucks' weight information collected in a series of survey stations installed yearly, during a one week time period, approximately, in some of the most important Mexican roads. In these stations, all trucks are weighed, and their dimensions, origin and destination and other additional information are obtained. Trucks' weights are measured using Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) equipment.This paper presents, first, the most relevant results obtain from the yearly surveys, including the identification of the most representative Mexican freight vehicles, their brand and model, and their tare and gross vehicle weight registered. This information is then used as a basic for carrying out, for each representative vehicle, the following analyses: Develop the curve of vehicle operating cost (VOC) per ton-km of transported freight versus gross vehicle weight (GVW). Obtain the curve of infrastructural damage cost (IDC) per ton-km of transported freight versus GVW. Develop the total transportation cost (VOC + IDC) per ton-km of transported freight versus GVW. Based on the former data, the advantages and disadvantages of each representative vehicle for transporting the national freight are appointed, considering obviously the limits established by present regulations. The comparisons made allow, also, establishment of recommendations on vehicle types whose construction and marketing should be encouraged in Mexico, as well as to identify managerial practices to be adopted by national transportation companies for improving their operative efficiency and competitiveness. (A)
Abstract