Flexible Functional Forms and Regularity: Assessing the Competitive Relationship between Truck and Rail Transportation
比较了三种成本函数形式（CES-超越对数、超越对数、Barnett超越对数）在满足经济理论正则条件方面的表现，发现Barnett超越对数最优，并估计了生鲜果蔬运输中卡车与铁路的替代弹性，支持运输业放松管制。
Illustrated is the extent to which alternative specifications of the cost function for a three-input transportation model can satisfy regularity conditions that are required by economic theory. The CES-translog dominates the translog and barnett translog specifications for the data set at hand. Both translog models' performances are dramatically improved by the application of the transformation suggested by Barnett. The best ability to satisfy regularity conditions is exhibited by the Barnett translog. The estimated substitution and demand elasticities indicate vigorous intermodal competition in the transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables and lend support to continued deregulation of the transportation industry.