This dissertation examines several issues regarding the congestion on the UpperMississippi River and Illinois Waterway. Chapter II identifies and measures the impactof lock congestion on grain barge rates on these waterways. Results indicate grain bargerates on both rivers are not affected by...

The United States is a global grain supplier. Agriculture uses 22 percent of all U.S. transported tonnage with grain being the largest component. Crop mix shifts are an often cited consequence of climate change and such shifts may change the demands grain places on the transport system. Studies...

Because of the recent soaring petroleum price and growing environmental concerns, biodiesel has become an important alternative fuel. Biodiesel is the mono alky esters made from a vegetable oil, such as soybean or rapeseed oil, or sometimes from animal fats. The escalation in world petroleum...

The Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA) amendments of 1990 strengthened air pollution regulation as it affects stationary sources such as cotton gins. Because investments in air pollution systems are sometimes substantial, a financial burden may be placed on gin plant firms that results in insolvency...