Fractional Split-Distribution Model for Statewide Commodity-Flow Analysis

Abstract

A relatively simple, but comprehensive, approach to modeling interregional commodity-flow volumes is proposed and applied. The approach estimates the fraction of commodity consumed at each destination zone that originates from alternate production zones. The resulting fractional split model for commodity-flow distribution is more general in structure than the typical gravity model used today for statewide freight planning. The empirical analysis applies the fractional split model to analyze interregional commodity flows in Texas.