Matching Plans for Truck Platoon Groups

This thesis navigates the evolving landscape of truck platooning, a transformative technology reshaping the transportation sector. Comprising three interconnected chapters, the research delves into critical aspects of platooning dynamics, stability, and the implications of introducing matching platforms. The first chapter explores the stability of two-truck platooning, considering time constraints and the flexibility of truck drivers in deviating from centrally designed plans. Utilizing novel mathematical models, the study expands on individual drivers' knowledge and preferences, shedding light on the dynamics of truck platooning in network settings. The second chapter extends the investigation to multi-company platoon formations, emphasizing not only fuel savings but also stability, truthfulness, and efficiency in information sharing. A stable, efficient, and fair scheme and truthful mechanisms are introduced to address the challenges of forming stable and efficient platoons among trucks from different companies. The third chapter adopts a system dynamic approach, qualitatively and quantitatively examining the industry's adoption of platooning technology. It introduces a matching platform and investigates its impact on technology diffusion, revealing insights that indicate a significant acceleration in technology adoption. Collectively, these contributions provide a comprehensive framework for understanding, implementing, and optimizing truck platooning in the evolving landscape of the freight industry.