Analyzing discrepancies between willingness to pay and willingness to accept for freight transport attributes

In this paper we use discrete choice data to analyze asymmetries in the preference for freight transport attributes. A reference dependent utility specification allowed us to test for the existence of substantial asymmetries in perception of the transport cost. Hence, the re-estimation of our models in the WTP/WTA space helped us to quantify significant discrepancies between the WTP and WTA for the attributes included in the choice experiment, namely transit time, service frequency and delays in delivery time. Results are deemed essential to define alternative services to road capable to attract substantial volumes of freight.Financial support provided by the Project ‘‘Modelización de previsiones de tráfico de mercancías y posibilidades de transporte intermodal con Europa (PREVITRANS)”. Expediente P4/08. Ministerio de Fomento. Convocatoria de ayudas del Programa Nacional de Cooperación público-privada, Subprograma de proyectos relativos a transporte e infraestructuras, en el marco del Plan Nacional de I+D+i, 2008–2011. This work was also supported by the University Jaume I of Castellon under Grant 13I298 of the Research Promotion Plan 2013; and the Valencia Regional Government under Grant GV/2015/096 supporting R&D Projects of Emerging Research Groups 2015