Value of Time Assessment for Transportation of Agricultural Product

Abstract

The quality of agricultural products is changed during transportation due to its sensitivity to travel time and temperature. Increasing in expected travel time as well as being kept under unfavourable temperature conditions while travelling can cause significant damage to the quality of the product. However, the research on the analysis of the value of time for transportation of agricultural products is still limited. This research was conducted to develop the method for evaluating the value of time assessment for agricultural products transportation. In this research, the Logistic Model on the basis of utility theory has been developed using samples based in the agricultural industrial area in the Central Thailand. The data used in this research were collected through a robust questionnaire that simulates various situations which address the main variables. The researcher found that there were 3 variables that were significant in decision making of product transportation. They were cost of transportation, travel time of transportation and damage of products during transportation. In the analysis process,  the survey forms were created by using levels of each variable to design and create an alternative situation in accordance to the State Preference (SP) model. Then, the highest profit alternatives were selected by interviewed carriers and the time value of transportation of agricultural products were analyzed. After that, the influenced variables on transportation were prioritized to reflect the main factors used for decision making decision of the carriers in the transportation process. This research presents the concept of application of values of time for agricultural product, which are secondary data and the values of time for travel, which are secondary data for evaluation of economic benefits of highway network construction projects.