A Methodology For Determining The Freight Border Transportation Impact Of The North American Free Trade Agreement

This report presents a methodology useful in forecasting the effects of NAFTA on the demand for freight transportation at the Texas-Mexico border. In developing long-term estimates of future freight-related traffic crossing the border, the methodology employs three steps: (1) an economic analysis of the region, (2) calibration of modal choice models, and (3) an assessment of inventory practices. This methodology is designed to improve upon previous efforts by considering how NAFTA would alter the economic environment in which firms operate, as well as the decisions these firms make regarding modal choice and shipment size.

This book contains select keynote and resource papers, as well as workshop reports, from the 12th International Conference on Travel Behaviour Research that was organized by the International Association for Travel Behaviour Research (IATBR) in Jaipur, India during December 13-18, 2009.

A review of the Dept. of Transportation¿s (DoT) ongoing North Amer. Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) cross-border trucking demonstration project (DP), at the conclusion of the first year of the project. This report determines whether: (1) the DP consists of a representative and adequate sample of Mexico-domiciled carriers likely to engage in cross-border operations beyond the U.S. municipalities and commercial zones on the U.S.-Mexico border; (2) DoT has established sufficient mechanisms to determine whether the DP is adversely affecting motor carrier safety; and (3) Fed. and state monitoring and enforcement activities are sufficient to ensure that participants in the DP are complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Tables.

Trade between the U.S. and Mexico has more than doubled since NAFTA went into effect. Most of this trade crosses the border by truck. This report addresses congressional concern that the border area was shouldering a disproportionate share of the costs of increased trade activity and that congestion problems related to expanded traffic were not being adequately addressed. It provides information and analysis on (1) the nature of commercial truck traffic congestion at the southwest border; (2) the factors that contribute to congestion; and (3) the actions, including programs and funding, that are being taken to address these problems. Charts and tables.

Heightened awareness of North America's vulnerability to terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11 has precipitated a crisis for transport suppliers and cargo owners, one that jeopardizes economic prosperity. Mary Brooks examines one industry sector of the North American economic relationship - transportation services - from the perspectives of transport supplier, cargo owner and policymaker. Ensuring security in international transportation without compromising operational effectiveness is a delicate balancing act. There is concern that economic benefits from NAFTA and the Canada-US Trade Agreement may have been diminished by the current security focus of American officials. The author addresses these concerns, beginning with a history of NAFTA and subsequent continental economic integration. Succeeding chapters provide an economic and regulatory assessment of the North American transport network, and examine key issues for both cargo interests and surface transport suppliers. The issues of perimeter security and growing regionalization are also explored. The author closes with a discussion of North America's transportation future under the Security and Prosperity Partnership. The unique insights of North American Freight Transportation will be of interest to policymakers, those in the transport sector, as well as researchers and practitioners in political science and trade economics.

Eight reports were produced during the four-year duration of Project 0-1319. These reports are summarized here into three areas comprising policy issues, weigh-in-motion studies, and trade transportation forecasting research.