Introduction to UNESCAP Time/Cost - Distance Methodology
Click on any of the icons below for more information	What is the model?
	The UNESCAP “Time/Cost - Distance Methodology” is a practical and simple way of illustrating the time and costs involved in the transportation process. For a brief overview, please click on the presentation on the left and find an illustrative example.
A brief overview
	The transport line
Click below
Examples of the model being used in the UNESCAP region	The transport line is the visual representation of the transport process, and is clearly illustrated in all the graphs as the plotted line. The diagonal transport line represents progress towards the destination, the flatter (i.e. more horizontal) the line the more time/cost efficient the mode of transport. For every intermediate stop, intermodal transfer point and/or border crossing, there is likely to be a time and/or cost increase. The model can show clearly the most time consuming or costly parts of a shipment by simple vertical lines. The steeper the transport line the more inefficient or costly the mode of transport. If parts of the transport line become vertical then these show either a bottleneck in the transport process or excessive costs when compared to the overall transport chain, the longer the vertical line the bigger the problem. Identifying when and where problems occur is the first step in finding a solution. Contained in the overview presentation is a real-life example of the model in use on a rail link between China and Mongolia. See the publication opposite for a very detailed explanation of the model in use in the UNESCAP region. UNESCAP’s efforts to update the methodology resulted in a revised data collection template that captures more information on routes and increased user-friendliness.
An Excel Spreadsheet to authomatically create your own model:
	How you can use the UNESCAP “Time/Cost - Distance Methodology”
Click below for the basic version	To begin with keep it simple. Depending on the data you have available you can choose between the two templates for the UNESCAP “Time/Cost - Distance Methodology” (Both templates are accompanied by step-by-step user guides.):
Basic Template	1)	A basic version that does not require an upfront estimate or quotation for the overall transport costs It provides with a quick analysis of time and cost distribution along your route.
	2)	The advanced version accommodates the analysis of long routes with many stops and allows for the analysis of time/cost intensity of individual activities at stops.
User Guide (pdf)	Data can be an initial estimate by a freight forwarder or transport operator for an individual consignment or, even an average figure. Once the data is entered into either of the T/C –D templates graphs comparing time over distance and cost over distance will be automatically produced. You may even experiment with the templates using hypothetical data as given in the example to familiarize yourself with the functionalities of the methodology. It is best to look at one route or one particular shipment of goods. The minimum information needed is route, mode and distance plus either time or cost. To enter the data correctly, please follow the 5 basic steps as we have done below and refer to the instruction manuals provided as downloads.
Click below for the detailed version
Advanced Template	Step 1: Establish the route you are going to examine i.e. A to B via C and D (or as in the above example in Figure 3 we have used Tianjin to Ulaanbaatar via the Erenhot and Zamyn Uud border). Step 2: Ascertain what modes of transport are being used on your route (e.g. Road/Rail) Step 3: Determine the distances between all the points (e.g. Tianjin to Erenhot = 983Km). Step 4: Check how long it takes for the goods to reach each point (e.g. Tianjin to Erenhot = 29 hrs. 12min.). Step 5: Ascertain how much of the total cost is taken up by each leg of the journey, modal transfer, border crossing or other cost/tolls that are encountered. (e.g. Tianjin to Erenhot = $500).
	For the model to work at least the first three steps outlined above, plus either step four and/or five must be followed. Once you have identified a route and gathered the data, use the T/C-D templates above to enter the data and the graphs will be produced automatically.
User Guide (pdf)	Additional functions of the model