Modelling planner–carrier interactions in road freight transport: Optimisation of road maintenance costs via overloading control

A bi-level modelling approach is proposed to represent the interaction between the vehicle loading practices of road freight transport carriers, and the decisions of a road planning authority responsible both for road maintenance and for the enforcement of overloading control. At the lower (reactive) level, the overloading decisions of the carriers impact on road maintenance expenditure, while at the upper (anticipatory) level the planner decides fine and enforcement levels by anticipating the responses of the carriers. A case study using data from Mexico is used to illustrate the method.

► A novel hierarchical, bi-level model of a planner aiming for a societal optimum.
► We look at the various costs and benefits of truck overloading.
► We develop functions to represent the objectives of planners and carriers.
► Carriers want to overload, but road authority planners need to restrain them.
► We have demonstrated our approach with a case study of Mexico.