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In an attempt to provide some of the information that will enable North Dakota firms and policymakers to make better decisions, this project addressed four transportation issues, which are critical to the future of the state's agricultural sector: (1) the impact of 110-car shuttle trains on the marketing of grains, (2) the impact of heavier cars on light-density rail lines, (3) the changing trend in the use of truck/rail container intermodal transportation for marketing North Dakota products; and (4) the role played by logistics factors in determining the optimal location of value-added facilities.

One significant consideration when examining a business venture is to define the network for the product. The network design should take into account the number, size, and location of suppliers, producers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. The spreadsheet model allows consideration of a number of important factors and the inputs to the model can be changed easily to allow for examining many different scenarios. For example, the model can demonstrate the benefits of a certain location over another based on such things as available freight rates and land or labor costs. However, when making a final decision, other important factors such as labor climate and quality of life, etc., should also be taken into consideration.

In the motor carrier industry, many drivers are paid based on the number of miles they drive. Because of this, they can be said to be on a piecework system of payment. This paper explores some ideas and theory about piecework and applies these to drivers. The theories discussed are those pertaining to (1) setting the piece rates, (2) changing the rates, (3) the seeming lack of employee loyalty, (4) the seeming importance of quantity over quality, and (5) equity theory., Each of these areas has specific implications for the motor carrier industry and it is believed that employers in this industry can benefit from the discussion and recommendations that are made through a better understanding of this method of payment and the implications for their drivers. 18 p.

The main objective of the present study is to analyze roadside inspection data and its relationship to safety/compliance review and accident data. Data used for this analysis is provided by the Office of Motor Carriers and includes a sample of larger carriers with the most recent inspection information and safety ratings. As part of this paper, summaries of past work in this area and in other related areas are given, as well as reviews of ongoing research. The current study finds strong support for a relationship between the aforementioned data sets and the findings are compared with the earlier work reviewed. In addition, some preliminary results of further research into the characteristics of those firms with little, inspection data are presented. 26 p.