Operational Implications of Mobile Communications in the Motor Carrier Industry‪.‬

It is clear that new demands are being placed on motor carriers to become more efficient and to provide greater visibility into the movement of goods. The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits of mobile communications for carriers and shippers. By surveying 565 motor carriers, the authors found that both parties may reap the benefits of this increased visibility. Shippers whose carriers use mobile communications should experience increased on-time delivery performance, as well as a slight increase in the transportation charges. Carriers reported improvements in out-of-route miles, number of trucks per dispatcher, load ratio, reduction in minutes per stop, and empty miles. **********