| Transportation and shipping costs of ornamental horticulture are 10% of total cost of production in Georgia. With many small to medium sized producers using their own independent transportation system, methods to optimize vehicle operations are desired. Will a transportation alliance reduce shipping costs, increase distribution efficiencies, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions among ornamental plants producers in Georgia? The study shows alliances are not only feasible, they have average total cost savings of 9%, average total miles driven savings of 8%, average number of trucks savings of 8%, average driving hours savings of 15%, and average carbon dioxide emissions savings of 8%. |
