GBFM – the Great Britain Freight Model
GBFM is an integrated software/database system linking domestic and international GB freight data with simple economic models for explaining freight demand and allowing trend and scenario based forecasting. The model has been developed independently by MDS Transmodal, originally as an in-house system to make good use of available transport data.
GBFM has since been expanded, in partnership with various organisations including the UK Department for Transport (ITEA Division), the Freight Transport Association and HM Revenue and Customs. GFBM has recently undergone a major overhaul. Version 5.0 was released in early 2008. See the methodology and user guide.
GBFM is an evolving system. It represents our attempt to provide a tool for establishing a consensus on the impact of transport policy, the causes of traffic growth, the relationship between trade and inland traffic and the effects of competing transport modes. Outputs from the model include modal forecasts and results that can be assigned to networks and represented graphically.
We have used the model for many commercial and policy orientated applications including:
- National road forecasts
- National rail forecasts
- Port traffic forecasting
- Local and regional studies
- Lorry road user charging
- Impact of higher fuel costs
- Justifying the need and modelling the traffic generated for various proposed rail-connected warehousing sites
- Testing the viability of proposed ferry routes