FACTORS AFFECTING THE ROAD FREIGHT TRANSPORT COST IN THE MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRY IN ASEAN

Abstract

This study aims to examine the determinants influencing road freight transport costs in a middle-income ASEAN country. It utilizes secondary data from government sources concerning road freight transport costs, logistics sector employee expenses, export-import volume indices, transport energy prices, and road freight transport indices from 2015 to 2022 in Thailand to formulate the mathematical model. The analysis employs Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis, with road freight transport costs as the dependent variable and other factors as independent variables. The results indicate that most variables have the positive impacts on road freight transport costs. However, factors such as Employee Cost, Import Volume Index, Road Freight Transport Index for lorries, Public Infrastructure Budget, Vehicle Equipment Price Index, and Communication Services exhibit the negative effects on transport costs, influenced by the specific national context and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, three significant predictors including Vehicle Price Index, Road Freight Transport Index for Hazardous Materials Trucks, and Public Infrastructure Budget emerge as critical areas for policymakers. Addressing these factors could help the policy makers optimize road freight transport costs in Thailand.