My PhD dissertation, “Contributions to Behavioural Freight Transportation Modelling”, was mainly about examining determinants of important logistics choices. Accordingly, I advanced my knowledge in the area of choice modelling, the design of choice experiments, and the policy implications.

Joint Choices of Using Intermediary Transport Yards and Dwell Time in Containerised Freight

Using two-weeks individual movements of import/export containers through Port of Brisbane, I Investigated the decision making of importers and exporters with regards to the choice of using intermediary transport yards for packing/unpacking/storage and the choice of dwell time in the terminals. I formulated advanced discrete choice models to identify the determinants of this choice.

Findings from this joint discrete choice model, highlighted the different characteristics of import and export supply chains concerning the usage of terminals and the duration of their use. Furthermore, the significant relationship between different land uses and the choice of terminals highlights the critical importance of the location of a terminal.

For further details, please refer to the following publication:

• Irannezhad, Elnaz; Prato, Carlo; Hickman, Mark (2019), A Joint Hybrid Model of the Choice of Container Terminals and Dwell Time. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 121, PP. 119-133. Download Full Text

Joint Choices of Shipment Size and Vehicle Type in Urban Freight

Using real urban freight data, I investigated the decision making of shippers and carriers with regards to the joint choices of shipment size and vehicle type. Findings from this study showed that differences exist between shippers’ and carriers’ preferences with regards to these two decisions. A number of practical findings also emerged from a joint model such as the relationship between these two decisions and other logistics attributes such as commodity type, time of delivery, and length of the trip.

For further details, please refer to the following publication:

• Irannezhad, Elnaz; Prato, Carlo; Hickman, Mark; Shariat, Afshin (2017), Copula–based joint discrete–continuous model of road vehicle type and shipment sizes. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, (2610), pp.87-96. Download Full Text

Mode Choice in Non-Bulk Freight Transport in QLD (Coastal shipping vs. Rail and Road)

Building upon my PhD project, I continued researching in the Freight Transport Decision Making during my Postdoctoral research. Collaborating with a Postdoctoral research fellow from the School of Economics, University of Queensland, I modelled the demand of coastal non-bulk shipping in Queensland.

Findings from a stated preference choice experiment among shippers and freight forwarders revealed existing a demand for coastal shipping mainly a shift from rail transport, and an effect of road user charge on shifting from road transport. Furthermore, several behavioural factors were revealed for example, the tendency of half of the sample to ignore either transport or cost (if not both) in their mode choice decisions. This results will assist the Queensland government in future regulatory changes to support coastal shipping.

This research has been presented in an international conferences as:

• Schrobback, Peggy, Irannezhad, Elnaz and Prato, Carlo (2019); Investigating the Demand for Coastal Non-bulk Freight Shipping in Queensland; The Transportation Research Board (TRB) 98^th Annual Meeting; Washington D.C. USA; 13-17 January 2019.

Download Full Text