A key aspect of this project is to gain insight into the most promising supply chain behavior changes, in terms of potential for energy use reductions, and the best ways to foster them in real-life settings. To do so, a multi-method qualitative/quantitative approach compounded of in-depth interviews, behavioral surveys and behavioral modelling are being developed.
An important part of the project is ascertaining the opinions of Americans regarding freight demand management strategies for internet deliveries to households. An online survey allowed the team to learn which of the proposed strategies to reduce the congestion and pollution produced by internet deliveries has the highest probability of being successful. In total, the team received nearly 550 responses, of which 507 were complete. Highlights of the results of the survey are:
  • About 83% of respondents stated that they were able to shop online at any time of day
  • Nearly 90% of respondents stated that they shop online because it saves time, while three-quarters shop online because it saves money
  • The ability to read reviews from other shoppers and the ability to choose from a larger inventory than is available at local stores were also cited as reasons for shopping online by a majority of respondents
  • Within the month before the survey, three-quarters of respondents purchased clothing and electronics online, and two-thirds of respondents purchased health and beauty items online. Slightly less than half of respondents purchased groceries and cleaning supplies online.
  • Delivery lockers and delivery consolidation strategies were the initiatives with the highest willingness to accept
The team is also interested in gaining insight into the current receiving and shipping needs of businesses along the Albany-New York City corridor, and to study the initiatives that can induce behavior changes in supply chains to enhance their energy efficiency. To do so team is currently implementing a survey to receivers. The questionnaire of the survey is divided in five sections. The first three parts is a revealed preference survey in which attributes regarding the establishment, number of deliveries and shipments, and service trips required are asked. The remaining part of the survey is a stated preference survey which wants to assess the willingness to participate in several EEL initiatives. The proposed programs are likely to incentivize receivers to hire carriers that use EEL technologies and practices. Results from the survey businesses will provide insight into which of the many proposed freight management strategies are most likely to be used by receivers.
Lastly, the team has met with Large Traffic Generators (LTGs) to gain insight about their freight activities and identify challenges and opportunities for consolidation and staggered deliveries. To date the team has met with several LTGs from the maritime, rail and trucking sectors. In addition, the team has also met with several public sector agencies along the Albany-New York City corridor.