The objective of this research is to use publicly available data to develop predictive models for transport mode and Mexican destination decisions for shipments from various U.S. regions. Aggregate logit models have been calibrated for three commodities: machinery, electronics, and automobiles. A profile of Mexico and its industries is presented along with a review of past efforts in freight demand forecasting. The data set of aggregate shipments used in the model estimation is comprised of origin, destination, commodity type, mode of transport across the border, and value. Destination attributes, such as population, employment, number of firms in the industry, and number of shippers and warehouses, are also included.

Eight reports were produced during the four-year duration of Project 0-1319. These reports are summarized here into three areas comprising policy issues, weigh-in-motion studies, and trade transportation forecasting research.

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 358: Statewide Travel Forecasting Models examines statewide travel forecasting models designed to address planning needs and provide forecasts for statewide transportation, including passenger vehicle and freight movements. The report explores the types and purposes of models being used, integration of state and urban models, data requirements, computer needs, resources (including time, funding, training, and staff), limitations, and overall benefits. The report includes five case studies, two that focus on passenger components, two on freight components, and one on both passenger and freight.

Federal planning legislation and regulations now mandate that state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations consider the needs of freight when planning and programming transportation investments. While there are standard techniques used to forecast the movement of people, less attention has been paid to forecasting freight movements, and there are consequently fewer standardized techniques that state and local agencies can adapt to their local situation. This Toolkit is designed to provide transportation planners with the information they need to prepare forecasts of freight transportation by highlighting techniques successfully developed by state agencies across the country.

Presents industry reviews including a section of "trends and forecasts," complete with tables and graphs for industry analysis.