An Analysis of Appropriate Transportation Service Behavior by Using Geographic Information Technology: A Case Study of a Transport Company in Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

Road transport serves as the backbone of domestic logistics. However, long-distance truck transportation continues to encounter challenges related to cost, safety, and efficiency, primarily due to inappropriate driving behaviors and suboptimal route planning. This study aims to analyze the operational status and behavioral patterns of freight transport and to apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) combined with network analysis to determine the most suitable routes under the framework of transportation regulations. The findings can be discussed in three aspects. First, based on the analysis of GPS tracking data from six-wheel trucks in 2024, the vehicles were utilized for an average of 12 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds per day, exceeding the legal limit. There were 67 days (26.27%) in which vehicle operation surpassed 8 hours, including 190 instances of speeding and prolonged idling. Second, when examining the three main routes—Samut Prakan–Ubon Ratchathani, Samut Prakan–Phuket, and Samut Prakan–Chiang Rai—it was found that the original routes exhibited excessive travel times and unnecessary rest stops. For example, the Chiang Rai route required a total travel time of 69 hours and 3 minutes, including abnormally long rest periods. Third, the application of GIS and network analysis, following the Department of Land Transport’s criteria (continuous driving not exceeding 3 hours and resting for at least 30 minutes), significantly improved the efficiency of the new transport routes. The Samut Prakan–Ubon Ratchathani route reduced total travel time by 11.01 hours with seven stops; the Samut Prakan–Phuket route by 9.20 hours with four stops; and the Samut Prakan–Chiang Rai route by 50.70 hours with eight stops. Overall, the research confirms that the integration of GIS and network analysis can effectively reduce operational costs, enhance safety, and improve transport efficiency, emphasizing the importance of adopting integrated geospatial technologies for modern transport management.