A Service-Oriented Approach to Freight Routing in Intermodal Transport Systems

Determining optimal routes for given freight is a core decision inlogistics. In intermodal logistics, freight routing has to considerthe interfaces between different modes of transportation, such ashand-over offsets, load changes, and organizational procedures.We study this problem from the perspective of Service-OrientedComputing (SOC). We (1) propose representing intermodaltransport systems as a set of service offerings and customerdemand as service requests, (2) define freight routing as a servicecomposition problem, and (3) develop a composition algorithmfor transportation services

Integrated Intermodal Network Design with Nonlinear Inter-Hub Movement Costs

In this research, transportation mode and load route selection problems are integrated with the hub location problem in a single mathematical formulation to find the optimal design of intermodal transportation networks. Economies of scale are modeled utilizing a stepwise function that relates the per container transportation cost to the amount of flow between two nodes. A heuristic method combining a genetic algorithm and the shortest path algorithm was developed to solve this integrated planning problem. Computational experiments were completed to evaluate the performance of the proposed heuristic for different problem instances. At the end, conclusions are presented and future research directions are discussed

Integration of inland waterway transport in the intermodal supply chain: a taxonomy of research challenges

This paper identifies research opportunities which will enable the further integration of inland waterway transport in the intermodal supply chain. Intermodal transport may be interpreted as a chain of actors who supply a transport service. Inland navigation can play a crucial role in increasing supply chain service performance. A first group of research challenges lies in the evolving relationship between transport geography and logistics activities. The next set of research challenges has the objective to encourage efficient operations in IWT: development of a system wide model for IWT, integration of operational planning systems and analysis of bundling networks. A third group of research efforts is directed towards shippers and consignees who use the intermodal transport chain to send or receive their goods: further development of models that integrate intermodal transport decisions with supply chain decisions and creation of green supply chains. A fourth cluster of research challenges concerns the problem domain of external cost calculations. Finally detailed time series data on freight transport should be collected to support these future research tracks

Intermodal Transfer Coordination in Logistic Networks

Increasing awareness that globalization and information technology affect the patterns of transport and logistic activities has increased interest in the integration of intermodal transport resources. There are many significant advantages provided by integration of multiple transport schedules, such as: (1) Eliminating direct routes connecting all origin-destinations pairs and concentrating cargos on major routes; (2) improving the utilization of existing transportation infrastructure; (3) reducing the requirements for warehouses and storage areas due to poor connections, and (4) reducing other impacts including traffic congestion, fuel consumption and emissions. This dissertation examines a series of optimization problems for transfer coordination in intermodal and intra-modal logistic networks. The first optimization model is developed for coordinating vehicle schedules and cargo transfers at freight terminals, in order to improve system operational efficiency. A mixed integer nonlinear programming problem (MINLP) within the studied multi-mode, multi-hub, and multi-commodity network is formulated and solved by using sequential quadratic programming (SQP), genetic algorithms (GA) and a hybrid GA-SQP heuristic algorithm. This is done primarily by optimizing service frequencies and slack times for system coordination, while also considering loading and unloading, storage and cargo processing operations at the transfer terminals. Through a series of case studies, the model has shown its ability to optimize service frequencies (or headways) and slack times based on given input information. The second model is developed for countering schedule disruptions within intermodal freight systems operating in time-dependent, stochastic and dynamic environments. When routine disruptions occur (e.g. traffic congestion, vehicle failures or demand fluctuations) in pre-planned intermodal timed-transfer systems, the proposed dispatching control method determines through an optimization process whether each ready outbound vehicle should be dispatched immediately or held waiting for some late incoming vehicles with connecting freight. An additional sub-model is developed to deal with the freight left over due to missed transfers. During the phases of disruption responses, alleviations and management, the proposed real-time control model may also consider the propagation of delays at further downstream terminals. For attenuating delay propagations, an integrated dispatching control model and an analysis of sensitivity to slack times are presented

Global best practices in combined transports and its applicability to South Ostrobothnia

This thesis aims to lay out some of the global best practices that can be used for the combined transportation design of Southern Ostrobothnia truck to rail project. The goal is to identify customers' demands and requirements for integrated transportation, as well as the technology that is now making this system efficient in terms of cost, operational efficiency, and environmentally friendly implementations. Other studies have shown that multimodal transportation is on the rise, though its full potential has yet to be achieved. This thesis looked at the following questions: 1. What are the major challenges in the implementation of combined transport? 2. What is the future for heavy goods vehicles? The thesis concludes by outlining the economic evaluations and benefits of having a combined transportation system and the new possibilities for logistics companies within the region

Service network design for an intermodal container network with flexible due dates/times and the possibility of using subcontracted transport

An intermodal container transportation network is being developed between Rotterdam and several inland terminals in North West Europe: the EUROPEAN GATEWAY SERVICES (EGS) network. This network is developed and operated by the seaports of EUROPE CONTAINER TERMINALS (ECT). To use this network cost-efficiently, a centralized planning of the container transportation is required, to be operated by the seaport. In this paper, a new mathematical model is proposed for the service network design. The model uses a combination of a path-based formulation and a minimum flow network formulation. It introduces two new features to the intermodal network-planning problem. Firstly, overdue deliveries are penalized instead of prohibited. Secondly, the model combines self-operated and subcontracted services. The service network design considers the network-planning problem at a tactical level: the optimal service schedule between the given network terminals is determined. The model considers self-operated or subcontracted barge and rail services as well as transport by truck. The model is used for the service network design of the EGS network. For this case, the benefit of using container transportation with multiple legs and intermediate transfers is studied. Also, a preliminary test of the influence of the new aspects of the model is done. The preliminary results indicate that the proposed model is suitable for the service network design in modern intermodal container transport networks. Also, the results suggest that a combined business model for the network transport and terminals is worth investigating further, as the transit costs can be reduced with lower transfer costs

Design and Analysis of Efficient Freight Transportation Networks in a Collaborative Logistics Environment

The increase in total freight volumes, reducing volume per freight unit, and delivery deadlines have increased the burden on freight transportation systems of today. With the evolution of freight demand trends, there also needs to be an evolution in the freight distribution processes. Today\u27s freight transportation processes have a lot of inefficiencies that could be streamlined, thus preventing concerns like increased operational costs, road congestion, and environmental degradation. Collaborative logistics is one of the approaches where supply chain partners collaborate horizontally or/and vertically to create a centralized network that is more efficient and serves towards a common goal or objective. In this dissertation, we study intermodal transportation, and cross-docking, two major pillars of efficient, cheap, and faster freight transportation in a collaborative environment. We design an intermodal network from a centralized network perspective where all the participants intermodal operators, shippers, carriers, and customers strive towards a synchronized and cost-efficient freight network. Also, a cross-dock scheduling problem is presented for competitive shippers using a centralized cross-dock facility. The problem develops a fast heuristic and meta-heuristic approach to solve large-scale real-world problems and draws key insights from a cross-dock operator and inbound carrier\u27s perspectives

Smart Technologies for Environmental Safety and Knowledge Enhancement in Intermodal Transport

International concerns about security in transport systems are leading to a new international regulation in this field. This introduces new requirements for operators and authorities as well as it opens new challenges, in particular when referred to seaports and maritime transport in the Mediterranean area, where many seaport terminals and infrastructures are affected by a noteworthy technological divide from North European contexts. In such contexts, the adoption of the new regulations can represent the right chance for upgrading the local operative standards, increasing latu sensu the quality of maritime transport performances, while conferring a greater level to security and safety checks. This paper explores the chances for increasing the level of Mediterranean seaport competitiveness allowed by technological innovations in transport systems, both in operations and organization of these infrastructures. The aim of the work is to study the effects of the adoption of technological solutions such as wireless communications and radiofrequency identification on the competitiveness of Mediterranean seaport infrastructures. Technological solutions designed to identify good items help operators in organizing activities in terminals and make maritime transport faster in delivering goods, by cutting the handling time and costs in seaport terminals. Seaports that adopt this kind of technologies, and the surrounding economic areas connected to seaports, have a greater attractiveness on shipping companies and operators, since they allow faster handling activities and easier checks on goods. Besides, the analysis of direct and indirect effects of the use of such technologies specifically focuses on the contribution that the use of these solutions gives in ensuring higher security levels, by increasing the level of information and knowledge associated to goods. The different types of security provided (e.g. for people, environment and goods) and the extreme flexibility of the technologies involved give the overall worth of the challenge. It seems to be a great chance of growth for the Mediterranean area, more than a mere compliance to the international security regulations.

Impact and relevance of transit disturbances on planning in intermodal container networks

__Abstract__ An intermodal container transportation network is being developed between Rotterdam and several inland terminals in North West Europe: the European Gateway Services network. This network is developed and operated by the sea terminals of Europe Container Terminals (ECT). To use this network cost-efficiently, centralised planning by the sea terminal of the container transportation is required. For adequate planning it is important to adapt to occurring disturbances. In this paper, a new mathematical model is proposed: the Linear Container Allocation model with Time-restrictions (LCAT). This model is used for determining the influence of three main types of transit disturbances on the network performance: early departure, late departure, and cancellation of inland services. The influence of a disturbance is measured in two ways. The impact measures the additional cost incurred by an updated planning in case of a disturbance. The relevance measures the cost difference between a fully updated and a locally updated plan. With the results of the analysis, key service properties of disturbed services that result in a high impact or high relevance can be determined. Based on this, the network operator can select focus areas to prevent disturbances with high impact and to improve the planning updates in case of disturbances with high relevance. In a case study of the EGS network, the impact and relevance of transit disturbances on all network services are assessed

An analysis of the Competitive Advantage on South African Ports

In the last decades we have witnessed profound changes in the maritime transport, which have modified the balance between capital and labor at seaports. Ports are now increasingly becoming capital-intensive industries, while in the past they used to be labor-intensive. This paper looks at what competitive strategies can be implemented by South African Port Operations while they are faced with fierce competition from the neighboring Ports, Port of Maputo and Namport in Namibia. The development of bigger vessels demands major investments in the terminals to meet the ever growing competition in the Maritime industry. Port choice key determinants, port efficiency, hinterland connections and location play an important role in port choice of call by shipping lines. Key words: Competitive advantage, Port Competitiveness, Port choice determinants.1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 3 2.1 Inter-port competition 4 2.2 Intermodal transport competition 7 2.3 Dimensions of competition 10 2.4 Building competitive advantage 14 2.5 Key determinants of port choice. 18 3. CASE STUDIES 24 3.1 Research methodology 24 3.2 Port performance 27 3.3 Port tariffs 40 3.4 Major factors determining terminal competitiveness 43 3.5 Major factors determining terminal competitiveness 46 4. POLICY IMPLICATION 53 4.1 Inter-port competition 53 4.2 Global competition 58 4.3 Overall recommendations 59 5. CONCLUSIONS 61 REFERENCES 6