Survey methods for assessing freight industry opinions.

PDFTech ReportFHWA-OR-RD-02-14SPR 328Freight transportationSurveysTransportation planningInfrastructureMotor carriersMethodologyOregonOregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research GroupLawson, Catherine T.Strathman, James G.Oregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research GroupUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionFreight transportation concerns and issues have received increasing attention during the 1990s. Public sector agencies use various methods to identify locations where improvements are needed to facilitate freight movements. Concerns and needs regarding improvements have been based on a blend of modeling, technical data and estimates, reviews of plans and other documents, personal observations, and public input. Various observers believe information from these sources should be combined with more specific information from shippers and motor carriers moving freight. There has been little definitive research done, however, on how best to survey the freight community.In order to establish the most effective means of gathering perceptions of infrastructure problems encountered by the freight industry on the state highway system and supporting road network, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) sponsored research on a methodology for conducting surveys of shippers and motor carriers. A series of pilot studies resulted in the development of a telephone survey methodology capable of yielding a 60% response rate. To demonstrate this methodology a full-scale survey was also conducted with a statewide sample of nearly 3,600 firms. This surveying effort achieved a 61% response rate and yielded over 2,200 problem descriptions, locations and information on the impacts of the problems on freight operators. Analysis of the data showed minimum levels of non-response bias and a fairly balanced response rate from all regions of the state. The research report also discusses possible approaches for further analysis of the survey data and potential uses for freight transportation planning purposes