Real-Time Analytics of Transportation Data Lab

About the research

The purpose of this study was to develop a proof-of-concept carrier technology readiness framework. While substantial investment has been made into the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) Traffic Operations Center, scant attention has been paid to how carriers that operate in the state are currently collecting, monitoring, and routing commercial traffic based on real-time or near real-time highway traffic conditions.

This study represents an initial step to understand to what extent carriers are ready to utilize real-time traffic operations data and the associated business, technical, and regulatory challenges with using the data. The team developed a technology framework that captures the types of traffic operations data that carriers could gain access to and the associated business and technical challenges that carriers face when attempting to integrate the data into their business operations.

Furthermore, the study uncovers some of the benefits that carriers can derive from access to real-time data feeds. A unique opportunity exists to explore the benefits and challenges associated with providing the motor carrier industry with access to real-time data transportation feeds.

This study helped evaluate how data maintained at state traffic operations data centers could prove to be useful to the motor carrier industry. In combination with in-cab and centralized information technology capabilities, it is possible that the traffic operations data could lead to safety, operational, and financial benefits to the industry. This study increases our understanding of the issues that several industry stakeholders identified during the course of our investigation.

Funding Sources:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Midwest Transportation Center
USDOT/OST-R ($10,000.00)
Total: $10,000.00

Contract Number: DTRT13-G-UTC37