NEXTA -From Guestimate to Estimate in Planning Truck Transport Assignments
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | FoodTankers AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 495 700 |
| Project duration | October 2014 - April 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The project developed a mathematical model for calculating the Estimated Time of Arrival accounting for Hours of Service regulations, implemented a heuristic algorithm, as a test for the NEXTA service. This demonstrated the potential of the NEXTA service to help transport planners determine the feasibility of an order prior to making a commitment on the Promised Time of Arrival. The project led to local cooperation with the potential of creating business opportunities and came to a conclusion on what is necessary to further improve in order to fully implement the NEXTA service.
Results and expected effects
Design and test of the NEXTA service in the project demonstrates: 1) a clear separation of responsibilities between the driver and transport planner. 2) Improved planning process 3) Improved customer relationship with a transport organization and it clients or consignee receiving shipments. All these will improve cost associated to inefficient transport planning, e.g., HoS violation charges, and reduces travel times which will positively influence the environment.
Approach and implementation
Project results indicates that changes in a transport journey can be incorporated into the calculation of the ETA with accountability for HoS regulations. We underestimated the difficulty, however, to test the software when fetching ´live´ data from the FMS and thereby prevented the ability to specify and test all preferred scenarios. With the knowledge and experience we have built, we see that benefits can be created both for the company through reduced costs, driver through reduced stress, and society through reduced environmental impacts as a result of shorter driving distances.