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An optimization model for the inland repositioning of empty containers

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  • Alessandro Olivo

    (1] Department of Civil Engineering, Environment and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Piazza D’Armi 16, Cagliari 09123, Italy[2] Network Optimisation Research and Educational Centre (CRIFOR), University of Cagliari, via San Giorgio 12, Cagliari 09124, Italy. E-mails: olivo@unica.it; mdifrance@unica.it; zuddas@unica.it)

  • Massimo Di Francesco

    (1] Network Optimisation Research and Educational Centre (CRIFOR), University of Cagliari, via San Giorgio 12, Cagliari 09124, Italy. E-mails: olivo@unica.it; mdifrance@unica.it; zuddas@unica.it[2] Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, Cagliari 09124, Italy)

  • Paola Zuddas

    (1] Network Optimisation Research and Educational Centre (CRIFOR), University of Cagliari, via San Giorgio 12, Cagliari 09124, Italy. E-mails: olivo@unica.it; mdifrance@unica.it; zuddas@unica.it[2] Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, Cagliari 09124, Italy)

Abstract

The inland repositioning of empty containers is a crucial problem for shipping companies providing door-to-door transport services to customers. This activity consists of the allocation of heterogeneous fleets of empty containers between inland depots and ports, so that they can be properly positioned in anticipation of future customer requests. This article describes how shipping companies perform this complex activity and its links with truck routing problems and the repositioning of empty containers on maritime networks. To address the inland repositioning of empty containers, we propose a time-extended optimization model, whose innovative elements are decision variables and constraints on the so-called flexible leased containers, which can be on-hired and off-hired according to a number of clauses, and substitution options between container types. The experimentation shows that the model is an effective instrument to support the current decision-making process on this issue, because realistic size instances can be solved within time limits imposed by planning operations.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Olivo & Massimo Di Francesco & Paola Zuddas, 2013. "An optimization model for the inland repositioning of empty containers," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 15(3), pages 309-331, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:marecl:v:15:y:2013:i:3:p:309-331
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Lee, Chung-Yee & Song, Dong-Ping, 2017. "Ocean container transport in global supply chains: Overview and research opportunities," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 442-474.
    2. Behzad Behdani & Bart Wiegmans & Violeta Roso & Hercules Haralambides, 2020. "Port-hinterland transport and logistics: emerging trends and frontier research," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 22(1), pages 1-25, March.
    3. Hjortnaes, T. & Wiegmans, B. & Negenborn, R.R. & Zuidwijk, R.A. & Klijnhout, R., 2017. "Minimizing cost of empty container repositioning in port hinterlands, while taking repair operations into account," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 209-219.
    4. Sarmadi, Kamran & Amiri-Aref, Mehdi & Dong, Jing-Xin & Hicks, Christian, 2020. "Integrated strategic and operational planning of dry port container networks in a stochastic environment," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 132-164.
    5. Xing, Xinjie & Drake, Paul R. & Song, Dongping & Zhou, Yang, 2019. "Tank Container Operators’ profit maximization through dynamic operations planning integrated with the quotation-booking process under multiple uncertainties," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 274(3), pages 924-946.
    6. Kolar, Petr & Schramm, Hans-Joachim & Prockl, Günter, 2018. "Intermodal transport and repositioning of empty containers in Central and Eastern Europe hinterland," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 73-82.

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