An Economic Evaluation of Optimal Intermodal Soybean Flows in Arkansas with Projected Effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement

Résumé du livre

The optimal intermodal flow of Arkansas soybeans in 1993 is estimated using both survey data and a linear programming model. Results indicate that both approaches are consistent with each other, suggesting that the linear programming model adequately captures real world behavior and that Arkansas elevators and subterminals are marketing soybeans in an optimal manner. The optimal mode of transporting soybeans from elevators and subterminals to in-state processors is by truck. Rail is found to be the optimal mode of transporting soybeans to Galveston, Texas, while barge is optimal for transporting soybeans to New Orleans, Louisiana. The Arkansas soybean marketing and transportation infrastructure as of 1993 is deemed to be adequate to meet any possible increased export demand for soybeans due to NAFTA.