Doctoral Dissertations
Date of Award
5-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Business Administration
Major Professor
Yemisi Bolumole
Committee Members
Alexander F. Scott, John E. Bell, Travis Kulpa
Abstract
As freight transportation industries grapple with efficiency and sustainability, a critical question emerges: How do regulatory and operational strategies shape transportation performance, and what trade-offs do they introduce for efficiency, safety, and environmental impact? This dissertation explores these tensions through empirical research, leveraging econometric methods and theoretical frameworks to assess the consequences of regulatory interventions and operational restructuring. Essay 1 examines the effectiveness of Clean Truck Programs (CTPs) in accelerating fleet upgrades and reducing emissions in U.S. port drayage trucking. Using the Awareness-Motivation-Capability (AMC) framework and a Difference-in-Differences (DID) strategy, this study finds that mandatory programs significantly reduce the average model-year of drayage trucks, particularly among smaller carriers, whereas voluntary programs show no measurable impact, which contrast with prior research findings. Furthermore, air quality improvements are concentrated in inner harbor zones, raising concerns about potential pollution displacement to adjacent areas. Essay 2 investigates the consequences of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) on the operational and safety performance of Class 1 railroads in the U.S. Using archival data and an econometric framework; this study finds that PSR enhances efficiency—including a 30 – 40% reduction in workforce count and increased train length—but at a cost of increased derailment and accident rates. Utilizing Stakeholder Theory, this study contextualizes the trade-offs between shareholder-driven efficiency gains and workforce or public safety risks, underscoring the challenges of balancing operational improvements with safety concerns.
Recommended Citation
Ufodike, Chinedu Ngozi, "Evaluating Transportation Policy Effectiveness: Empirical Evidence from Clean Truck Programs and Railroading Strategy. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2025.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/12434