The benefits of implementing tire pressure control systems (TPCS) in northwestern Ontario

Abstract

Transporting raw forest products to processing facilities is one of the highest costs of overall timber production. Many forestry contractors and log truck owners are looking for feasible ways to minimize forest road transportation costs. This study proposes a practical solution to reducing forest resource transportation costs by analyzing the costs and benefits of tire pressure control systems (TPCS) in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Data from four log-hauling contractors in the northwestern Ontario region was collected and used to compare the benefits of implementing TPCS compared to trucks without TPCS. Various models provided by TPC International, TIREBOSS Inc., and FPInnovations were used to compare the costs of log hauling with and without TPCS implemented on log trucks. The findings in this study were compared, summarized, and presented in this thesis. When implemented on log trucks, TPCS can substantially benefit the log truck owner and contractor. The main benefits come in the form of cost savings, specifically reduced tire costs, increased traction, reduced fuel consumption, and increased truck utilization. TPCS also increases truck, trailer, and tire life while lowering the income required by the truck owner to meet their costs and profit margin. Furthermore, the results of this study imply that TPCS can reduce the costs of log-hauling and therefore reduce forest transportation costs.