Modernization in Freight Truck Transport in Pakistan

PhD (Transportation Planning)Assistant Professor

Department of Urban and Infrastructure EngineeringNED University of Engineering and Technology

Dr. Uneb Gazder

Contents

• Background• Current situation of Freight Truck

Transport in Pakistan• Global Modernization of Trucking• Contemporary challenges for local trucking

industry• Adaptation of Modernization in Trucking

Sector

• A truck is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration.

Commercial trucks can be very large and powerful, and may be configured to mount specialized equipment

Background

• Approximately 67,4271 thousand ton cargo handled during year 2010-11 at the sea ports

• Pakistan’s total road network is around 263,942 Km which carries over 96 percent of inland freight and 92 percent of passenger traffic2

1. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics http://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/other/yearbook2012/Transport%20and%20Comm/20-3.pdf

2. Economic Survey of Pakistan, 2014-15.

2007 Data for Vehicle Registrationhttp://finance.gov.pk/survey/chapters/14-transportfinal08.pdf

http://www.engineeringpakistan.com/EngPak1/trucking/Introduction.pdf

The technology of over 96% fleet consists of rigid suspension of old & obsolete Bedford truckshttp://www.engineeringpakistan.com/EngPak1/trucking/Introduction.pdf

Existing Practices in Trucking Sector of Pakistan

• According to an estimate, 30% of the 2, 3 axle trucks are overloaded while 40% of 4, 5 and 6 axle trucks are overloaded.

Unhealthy competition results in modification of truck dimensions in local workshops and in overloading of vehicles

Existing Practices in Trucking Sector of Pakistan

• Most of the trucks used in freight transport are more than 30 years old.

http://www.engineeringpakistan.com/EngPak1/trucking/Introduction.pdf

Existing Practices in Trucking Sector of Pakistan

• Improper Maintenance and fitness certification

Existing Practices in Trucking Sector of Pakistan

• Emissions resulting due to fuel type and quality

Existing Practices in Trucking Sector of Pakistan

―Roads deterioration due to higher axle loads are imposing huge infrastructure maintenance cost, higher travel times and fuel costs.

Existing Practices in Trucking Sector of Pakistan

Accidents resulting from vehicle, road and driver anomalies

Ahmed, A., Raza, M. Z., Ahmed, F., Ghani, A., & Malik, L. (2013). A Retrospective Analysis of the Pattern and Severity of Injuries in Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Karachi, Pakistan during 2010-2011.Emergency Med, 3, 144.

Accident Likelihood

Modification in truck dimensions results in poor aerodynamics causing road crashes

Existing Practices in Trucking Sector of Pakistan

• Long working hours of drivers• Continuous driving without proper breaks• Improper relaxation facilities for stopovers• Illegal practices and encroachments along

highway at places

MODERN CHALLENGES

China-Pakistan Economic CORRIDOR

• China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) is a mega project of USD 45+ billion

• About 3000 Kilometres long consisting of highways, railways and pipelines

• Connects China’s Xinjiang province to rest of the world through Pakistan’s Gwadar port 

CPEC: Challenges for Trucking Sector in Pakistan

How will Trucking Sector of Pakistan with existing fleet compete with the advanced and modernized trucking sector of China?

International Environmental Quality Standards

– Performance of Trucks in terms of Compliance to NEQS is Poor

– Transport Sector is Responsible for 42.57 Mt CO2e GHG Emissions

– Fuel Specifications are not Compatible with Euro Standards

– International collaborations such as Montreal treaty, and UN IPCC require all the member countries to control and mitigate the GHGs

International Environmental Quality Standards

• How the local trucking industry will adhere to these international standards????

MODERN FREIGHT TRUCKS IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES

Aerodynamics

State-of-the-art aerodynamics ensures vehicle control, fuel efficiency and emission control

Vehicle not Loaded Beyond Capacity and Permitted limit

Proper Maintenance and fitness Certification

Improvement in engine technology to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions

Nissan 2012 Electric Powered Truck with ZERO EMISSIONS

Hino Diesel-Hybrid Truck

Fleet Management system

• Optimize transportation time and ensure on-time delivery of goods

• Optimize transportation cost and fuel consumption

• Optimize fleet and resource utilization • Reduce emissions• ISO 39001: Adopted by PSQCA

Fleet Management system

Case Study

Germany

Driver Training and Licencing

The way forward

Concept DevelopmentFormalization & ConsultationImplementationContinual system improvement

widespread stakeholder acceptance

Improving Trucking Practices in Pakistan

Vehicles•Upgrading fleet •Introduction of Diesel-Hybrid and Electric trucks in Pakistan•Proper maintenance of vehicles•Introducing more fuel efficient and environment friendly trucks and trailers•Implementation of Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards for emissions from trucks

Improving Trucking Practices in Pakistan

• Strict Axle Load Management• Enforcement of Weight-bridges at entry

points of Highways/ Motorways and Toll collection points

Improving Trucking Practices in Pakistan

Motor Vehicle Registration and Examination•Regular fitness testing of vehicles and certification for road worthiness is an essential component of road and environment safety•Introduction of effective Vehicle Fitness Testing and Certification applicable to all categories and classes of vehicles in Pakistan

Improving Trucking Practices in Pakistan

Driver Training •There is an urgent need to revamp the Driver Licensing System in Pakistan. •Establishment of accredited, approved, well equipped driver training schools for truck drivers, having modern training systems

Highway Service Areas

Improving Trucking Practices in Pakistan

Fleet Management •Implement proper fleet management systems in freight transport service provider organizations•Outcomes: better operating conditions of vehicles, and appropriate working hours of drivers•Consequences: reduction in GHG and crashes

Recommendations

• Drivers Training/ Education• Vehicle inspection• Improvement in Infrastructure• Encouraging alternative modes• Proper Maintenance• Improved Wages for workers in trucking sector• Exclusive truck roads/lanes