The engineering and economics of storing and transporting seed cotton from the turn-row to the gin is important and will continue to impact cotton production. Transport costs have not been fully documented in the past. One goal of this paper will be to quantify the costs of conventional transport versus alternative transport systems.

Transport with conventional module trucks is relatively simple. Only one person is required for driving the truck, loading, and unloading modules. Alternative systems may require a more sophisticated loading/unloading procedure and trained personnel. Producers and ginners may have to share the cost of transport and the model for determining these costs will likely be a function of distance from the turn-row to the gin storage area. Fuel costs and percent utilization will play a role. Scheduling and timing of transport with alternative systems may also require changes.