Drivers’ Needs while reversing with a High Capacity Transport Combination
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Product development (MPPDE), MSc
Publicerad
2023
Författare
Vesmes, Aime
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The greenhouse gas emissions are today a global problem and the transportation
sector significantly contributes to these emissions. By improving the energy
efficiency of transports, the emissions can be reduced. To use High Capacity
Transport (HCT) combinations a truck can transport larger volumes of goods while
the emissions per transported tonne of goods reduces. However, difficulties with
driving HCT combinations have arisen, particularly while reverse driving. The thesis
aims to recommend solutions to decrease the reversing time for HCT combinations
by investigating the drivers’ needs while reversing with an HCT combination.
In order to fulfill the aim, three primary activities were accomplished. Firstly,
a drivers’ needs study was conducted to identify drivers’ opinions and needs
while reversing with an HCT combination. The result from the study led to
four main insights; an HCT combination must acquire the correct specifications
to suit the specific transportation mission, drivers should be given sufficient time
and opportunities to practice before driving an HCT combination, external aids are
essential for enabling efficient reversings when the visibility is impaired, and the
layout of terminals significantly affects how efficient a reversing becomes. Secondly,
a market analysis was performed to study existing support systems available on the
market. Lastly, a usability test with a cab simulator was carried out to investigate
to what extent a simulator could be used for training, compared to real life driving.
Findings from these three activities resulted in nine recommendations aimed at
reducing the reverse driving time for HCT combinations. These recommendations
are directed toward three receivers: Volvo GTT, haulers, and terminals. The most
prioritized recommendation calls upon Volvo GTT to inform the sales personnel
about HCT combinations and ensure that they possess sufficient knowledge to sell
the most suitable combination for the customers’ transport mission. Haulers need
to provide time for drivers to practice and invest in external aids. Terminals should
adapt the area for longer vehicle combinations, and perform regular maintenance
on the terminal area. For future research, potential areas of investigation could
involve comparing the use of rearview mirrors versus camera systems used instead
of mirrors when reversing with HCT combinations, or exploring why people are
influenced differently in a cab simulator.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
High Capacity Transport (HCT), reverse driving, customer needs study, usability testing, simulator