This source report evaluated the deployment Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) used to support commercial vehicle operations. A motor carrier survey, cost analysis, safety analysis, and benefit-to-cost analysis were conducted to evaluate the safety, efficiency, and economic impacts of core CVISN technologies. At the time of the evaluation (October 2008) core CVISN technologies including electronic credentialing (EC), safety information exchange (SIE), and electronic screening (ES) were operational or being implemented in 45 states.

Data for the cost analysis portion of the report were collected primarily from two sources:

• Self-evaluation templates completed by state officials in 28 states (as of April 2006).
• Site visits and interviews with state officials in four states (Montana, New Jersey, New York, South Dakota).

SYSTEM COSTS

Safety Information Exchange (SIE):

Implementation Costs (One-time Start-up Costs)

The average per state start-up cost for safety information exchange was estimated at $680,000 (ranged from $2.7 million to $31,000 per state) and included the following:

• Purchase costs of equipment and material including hardware for information exchange such as computer network servers, personal computers (including laptops and desktops used at roadside check stations), printers, wireless modems used for SIE deployment. Also includes, routers, T1 lines, and network equipment.
• Purchase costs of software
• Costs of labor including those incurred for interface modification with existing systems and training costs.

The following data excerpted from the source report (Table 6-9) detailed a distribution of start-up costs across participating states (2006 dollars).

Operating and Maintenance Costs
The average annual cost per state to operate safety information exchange systems was estimated at $74,000 (ranged from $239,393 to $65) and included the following:

• Annual costs of operating and maintaining the safety information exchange system included both labor and non-labor costs. The states’ annual non-labor costs were those related to the lease payments for computer equipment, telephone and internet charges, wireless communication charges, and charges for linking central data services (e.g., the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators Network).
• Annual labor costs included the costs of labor services provided by states, contractors, and third party employees.

The following data excerpted from the source report (Table 6-10) detailed a distribution of operating and maintenance costs across participating states (2006 dollars).