Hi everyone! I’m researching ground transportation dynamics and historical trends, and I’d love your help finding relevant resources (articles, presentations, websites, or datasets).
I am interested in global trends and U.S. in particular.
Specifically, I’m curious about:
Shipment Size Trends: Has the average shipment size decreased over time due to e-commerce, just-in-time logistics, or other factors? How has this influenced transportation modes (e.g., trucks vs. rail)?Modal and Vehicle Shifts: How have preferences for large trucks (e.g., Class 7-8) vs. smaller vehicles (e.g., cargo vans like Sprinters) evolved? Are there historical comparisons showing changes in usage or production?Speed and Efficiency: Have improvements in logistics, infrastructure, or technology (e.g., telematics, autonomous trucks) led to faster freight delivery? Any data on typical speed increases?U.S. vs. Europe: How do U.S. trends (e.g., reliance on large trucks) compare to Europe’s (e.g., smaller vehicles, denser rail networks)? Is the U.S. shifting toward smaller shipments/vehicles due to global economic demands or user expectations for faster, more efficient shipping?Vehicle Production Data: Is there evidence showing higher production of cargo vans compared to large trucks, reflecting a shift toward smaller shipments?For context, I’m exploring whether global economic changes and user demands (e.g., faster delivery, better efficiency) are reducing shipment sizes or if they’ve remained stable. I’d also like to understand how U.S. transportation differs from Europe’s, given differences in geography and infrastructure.
Any leads on datasets, reports, or industry insights would be greatly appreciated! Bonus points for data visualizing these trends (e.g., modal share or vehicle production over time). Thanks in advance!
