With high fuel costs, many freight and logistics companies are looking at ways to reduce running costs. Fuel efficiency is also environmentally desirable. Based on information and guides provided by the Department of Transport, this resource introduces the cost benefits of improving the aerodynamics of the cab section of a truck. The activities involve using calculators and spreadsheets to work on conversions and percentages in the context of a complex multi-step problem. Considerable mathematic

This resource develops logical and systematic thinking in different contexts. All of the activities develop multi-stage logistical thinking. The Planning ahead puzzle develops process skills of problem solving: working systematically and creating, describing and experimenting with systematic strategies. Making tea is concerned with finding the best way to organise time and draws on the Critical Path Analysis skills required to find an efficient solution to this kind of problem. Building a wareho

This resource deals with the external costs of transport which affect society but which are not paid for by the transport users who cause them. Road, rail, air and water are compared. The resource provides an opportunity for work on inverse proportion, conversion calculations, compound percentage change and information handling skills.

This resource looks at simplified versions of three different network problems that are encountered in practical logistical planning. Paper rounds offers the opportunity for reasoning and proof as the arguments needed to establish Euler?s theorem are within their grasp. It also, along with Cable connections and Deliveries, offers opportunities for the mathematical skills of planning, being systematic, recording and logical experiment.

There are many problems in packaging where it is important to minimise the amount of wasted space. When a ferry is loaded, strategies to fit the most vehicles on for each journey will reduce waiting times and make best use of the resource. Ferries allows the opportunity to discuss the modelling function of mathematics. The tasks allow students to develop their own strategies and to consider the idea of an ?efficient? algorithm. In addition, First fit and full bins involves work on ratio and pie