Barging Ahead: Optimizing A Trip Upriver

Introduction

Barges are an integral component of the freight transportation system.
The capacity of a barge is 60 times that of a semi-trailer truck; and in tonnage
per mile, barges are 9 times as fuel efficient, saving shippers and consumers
over $7 billion dollars annually.

This student project for a first course in calculus offers students the opportunity,
as the CEO of a freight company, to help optimize the efficiency
of barging. A worksheet form suitable for class use is available upon request.