There has been controversy over the relative benefits of coordinating rural transit systems. Initially, it was expected that coordinated systems would experience lower costs and/or offer increased services. Some regional studies have indicated that coordinated systems do not experience decreased costs...

This study examines the impacts that railroad and trucking deregulation had on rail labor earnings and employment.

This study describes eight innovative financing methods (e.g., rural improvement districts) and 14 cost-reducing strategies (e.g., sharing equipment) that local governments in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming currently are using. County road officials identified...

This paper explores the determination of commercial vehicle driver attitudes and the effect of these attitudes on driving performance, job satisfaction, and turnover. It was hypothesized that if a relationship is found, it may then be worthwhile to select applicants with the highest potential for good...

North Dakota has more than 102,000 miles of rural roads. Approximately half of these roads are paved and the rest are gravel or dirt. Due to limitations in funding and shifts in traffic patterns, counties and townships are forced to make difficult decisions regarding the maintenance of their roads. Some...

The project objective was to assess and determine whether the logistical practices of small and rural suppliers will allow them the opportunity to successfully participate in an integrated supply chain. The project consists of two steps. First, we identified minimal logistical capabilities a supplier...

Some North Dakota counties are facing a shortage in quality gravel. Other counties may experience the same problem in the near future. Gravel pits in the state are scarce and counties consume substantial amounts of gravel for a large portion of their roads. Obtaining gravel from distant sources leaves...

The objective of this project was to develop a program that provides short-term analyses and education in an effort to enhance the viability of rural manufacturing and processing firms through a better understanding of transportation and logistics management by organizations in North Dakota.

The logistical function of inventory management has greatly changed greatly over the last few decades. Historically, inventories have been used to manage production and were considered a necessary component of doing business. However, with recent developments such as Just-In-Time (JIT) and Electronic...

The objective of this project was to create a central database containing information representing the American short line railroad industry. The project continues and expands the initial effort to establish the database. In this report, processes involved with obtaining, developing, and maintaining...