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Efficient metaheuristics to solve the intermodal terminal location problem

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  • SÖRENSEN, Kenneth
  • VANOVERMEIRE, Christine
  • BUSSCHAERT, Sylvie

Abstract

Determining the optimal number and location of intermodal transshipment terminals is a decision that strongly influences the viability of the intermodal transportation alternative. In this paper, we develop a model and an optimization method that provides policy makers with a tool to help them take these decisions. The objective of the terminal location problem described in this paper is to determine which of a set of potential terminal locations to use and which not and how to route the supply and demand of a set of customers (representing zones of supply and demand) through the network (by both uni- and intermodal transport) so as to minimize the total cost. We develop two different metaheuristic procedures that both consist of two phases: a solution construction phase and a solution improvement phase. The first metaheuristic constructs solutions using a GRASP procedure, the second one uses the relatively unknown attribute based hill climber (ABHC) heuristic. Innovative in our approach is the integration of a fast heuristic procedure to approximate the total cost given the set of open terminals. Both metaheuristics are compared to the results of an MIP solver. A thorough performance assessment uncovers that both metaheuristics generate close-to-optimal solutions in very short computing times. An argument in favor of the ABHC approach is that it is parameter-free and hence more transparent and likely to be accepted in a business or policy environment.

Suggested Citation

  • SÖRENSEN, Kenneth & VANOVERMEIRE, Christine & BUSSCHAERT, Sylvie, 2012. "Efficient metaheuristics to solve the intermodal terminal location problem," Working Papers 2012001, University of Antwerp, Faculty of Business and Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ant:wpaper:2012001
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    Cited by:

    1. Ján Ližbetin & Ondrej Stopka, 2020. "Application of Specific Mathematical Methods in the Context of Revitalization of Defunct Intermodal Transport Terminal: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-22, March.
    2. Fateme Fotuhi & Nathan Huynh, 2017. "Reliable Intermodal Freight Network Expansion with Demand Uncertainties and Network Disruptions," Networks and Spatial Economics, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 405-433, June.
    3. He, Yan & Wu, Tao & Zhang, Canrong & Liang, Zhe, 2015. "An improved MIP heuristic for the intermodal hub location problem," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 57(PB), pages 203-211.
    4. Snežana Tadić & Mladen Krstić & Violeta Roso & Nikolina Brnjac, 2019. "Planning an Intermodal Terminal for the Sustainable Transport Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-20, July.
    5. Amir Gharehgozli & Nima Zaerpour & Rene Koster, 2020. "Container terminal layout design: transition and future," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 22(4), pages 610-639, December.
    6. Ján Ližbetin, 2019. "Methodology for Determining the Location of Intermodal Transport Terminals for the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems: A Case Study from Slovakia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-17, February.
    7. Teye, Collins & Bell, Michael G.H. & Bliemer, Michiel C.J., 2017. "Entropy maximising facility location model for port city intermodal terminals," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 1-16.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Intermodal transportation; Terminal location; Metaheuristics;
    All these keywords.

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