Policy makers at all levels of government use reports that analyze transportation data for planning, regulation, modeling, and budgeting. The value of a report's analysis is dependent on proper methodology and accurate data. Concerns about the accuracy of transportation data have been raised. A published analysis that represented the energy efficiency of marine transportation compared with other modes of transportation was assessed. The analysis was based on the best available data supplied by a government agency. The methodology, data, and data collection processes used in the case study and other related reports were examined. Recommendations were made for new maritime data collection processes along with changes in data analysis methodology.
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