A Methodology to Assess the Benefits and Costs of ITS/CVO User Services 942285
A wide variety of computer and communications technology vendors currently in the marketplace offer technologies, products and services designed to streamline regulatory processes and improve operational efficiency for trucking companies. The goods and services are sold based on their “functional attributes” and the cost is a direct function of the nature of the application and the carrier's needs.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Intelligent Transportation Systems/Commercial Vehicle Operations (ITS/CVO) User Services are “bundles” of functional services envisioned by the FHWA to help advance the overall objectives of improved operational efficiency of our nation's roadways and servicing of the commercial vehicle population. Because many of the technology applications are still in the development stage, a framework has been developed to assess the future hypothetical benefits and costs of the ITS/CVO User Services Program.
The ATA Foundation has embarked upon an effort to detail the functional characteristics of the products currently in the marketplace and the regulatory compliance processes. This functional analysis can allow for the comparison of the costs of the goods or services with the benefits as measured in reduced costs of compliance or improved operational efficiency. This information will be essential in determining the actual benefits and costs of the forthcoming User Services Program.
The assessment of the costs and benefits is based upon consideration of a series of functional relationships:
1)
ITS User Services and functional activities;
2)
technologies, products and services and functional activities;
3)
motor carriers and industry segments by functional activities.
