Application of data analytics to transport corridor diagnostics and performance benchmarking

Increase in exports is essential for economic growth in developing countries. In Southern Africa the development of effective multi-national trade corridors is the single biggest stumbling block to achieve this objective. Continuous performance measurement of all key trade corridor activities will facilitate the identification and elimination of bottle necks that currently restrict the free flow of trade. This article describes a methodology to implement continuous corridor performance measurement as necessary step to achieve the larger goal of improved corridor performance and hence increase in exports. It is described how performance benchmarks for road freight transport were established by leveraging data that is available from existing systems operated by corridor users. We also discuss the challenges to establish a permanent system of corridor performance measurement that will include not only physical cargo movements but also the detailed transactions to move cargo across national borders and through ports.