4.2.1. Validation of time model results
In this sub-section, we attempt to validate some of the time model results based on actual data. The trucking and truck unloading time results are inconsequential and likely accurate given that all the components come directly from secondary sources, therefore no attempt is made to validate these results. The terminal elevator handling time for shuttle trains is relatively fixed (the maximum time is 15 h); hence, further validation is not required. The country elevator handling time value came from a secondary source (Tolliver and Bitzan, 2002). The average short-term storage at elevators is subject to many factors, most importantly the overall demand for rail service and the availability of grain railcars. This uncertainty is captured in the model via the demand rate that we vary between 50 and 3000 tons per day in Fig. 2.