Multimodal schedule design for synchromodal freight transport systems

Intermodal freight transport has been discussed for decades as an alternative to unimodal road transport. However, it still does not represent a significant portion of the total freight market. A new and promising possibility to improve the performance of freight systems is the synchromodal design of hinterland transport systems. A cornerstone for synchromodality is an integrated view in the design and operation of intermodal transport. A main benefit of this integrated view is an improved flexibility in mode choice in hinterland transport. This paper gives a detailed description of this integrated view for synchromodal freight transport. Based on this description, a mathematical model for designing service schedules for synchromodal freight transport systems is also presented. The benefits of providing integrated transport services compared to separately planned transport services are also discussed for a case in the hinterland network of the Port of Rotterdam

Flow consolidation in hinterland container transport: An analysis for perishable and dry cargo

The continuously increasing container throughput has created complex operational problems for port operations and port-hinterland transportation. Increase in negative externalities such as air pollution and road congestion are examples of challenging issues. Consolidation of cargo/container flows may help to alleviate the situation by better utilizing the means of transport and containers. Using analytical models for three scenarios – only-trucking (no-consolidation), container consolidation and combined container/cargo consolidation – we discuss the conditions under which the consolidation of flows can be beneficial. The results imply that shipment distance and type of cargo are important factors that affect the performance of flow consolidation in port-hinterland logistics

Shape-Based Separation of Micro-/Nanoparticles in Liquid Phases

The production of particles with shape-specific properties is reliant upon the separation of micro-/nanoparticles of particular shapes from particle mixtures of similar volumes. However, compared to a large number of size-based particle separation methods, shape-based separation methods have not been adequately explored. We review various up-to-date approaches to shape-based separation of rigid micro-/nanoparticles in liquid phases including size exclusion chromatography, field flow fractionation, deterministic lateral displacement, inertial focusing, electrophoresis, magnetophoresis, self-assembly precipitation, and centrifugation. We discuss separation mechanisms by classifying them as either changes in surface interactions or extensions of size-based separation. The latter includes geometric restrictions and shape-dependent transport properties

A review and analysis of the investment in, and cost structure of, intermodal rail terminals

The results presented in this article identify the role of costs in the scientific and grey freight terminal handling literature and analyses the handling costs of different terminal sizes. The literature review shows that handling costs only play a marginal role in the scientific research in intermodal rail freight terminals (IRT). This is remarkable given the large role costs occupy in decision-making in freight transport. Furthermore, the used cost levels show a wide range of proposed amounts and terminal sizes or handling technologies are seldom addressed. Finally, many of the scientific papers do not make it clear whether the average transhipment cost or market price is referred to. Next, the analysis of the investment in, and cost structure of, IRTs shows that IRT investments are very capital-intensive leading to relatively high average costs per handling. However, given the cost characteristics of IRTs, the average cost per handling represents the underlying cost structure and are – in this sense – representative. The cost analysis demonstrates that extra-large IRTs actually have the lowest average handling costs, followed by small IRTs.</p

Handling Disruptions in Supply Chains: An Integrated Framework and an Agent-based Model

The degree of supply chain risk faced by many companies has risen dramatically and the impact of disruptions can cascade easily across companies’ and countries’ borders. To handle this increased vulnerability, systematic approaches and decision making tools are needed to provide support in managing supply chain disruptions. In this thesis, an integrated process: InForMDRiSC, and an agent-based simulation framework are presented and discussed. These two contributions are complementary means for managing supply chain disruptions. InForMDRiSC describes the steps to be followed in managing supply chain disruptions, whereas the simulation framework supports the building of simulation models for specific supply chains which enable decision makers to experiment with different strategies and tactics to prevent or recover from supply chain disruptions.Infrastructure Systems & ServicesTechnology, Policy and Managemen

The value of information in supply chains decisions : a review of the literature and research agenda

The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured overview of the value of information in different supply chain decisions and to identify a research agenda based on the current state of research on the topic. The paper uses the systematic literature review methodology to review journal articles published in the 12-year period from 2006 to 2017. Each selected study is analyzed using a rigorous review framework of four primary dimensions, including “supply chain decisions”, “information”, “modelling approach”, and “context”. The review of articles shows that the current literature is rich in assessing the value of information in inventory decisions, yet insufficient in other supply chain areas such as facility, transportation, sourcing, and pricing. In addition, the value of information is subject to contextual supply chain parameters and varies in accordance with the characteristics of the information (such as accuracy, timeliness, and completeness). Furthermore, the focus of the existing literature is on “information availability” in supply chain decisions, and the impact of important information characteristics on the value of information has not been studied extensively. The research on information timeliness and its influence on supply chain performance is especially limited. Based on the discussion and results of our review, a research agenda is offered and sample research questions are discussed

Intermodality and synchromodality

Transport networks have evolved from multimodal networks towards integrated networks allowing for intermodal transport – the carriage of a single load unit by consecutive modes in a transport chain. Synchromodality (or synchronized intermodality) – as the next stage in port/hinterland network development – can be briefly summarized as the vision of a network of well-synchronized and interconnected transport modes, which together cater for the aggregate transport demand and can dynamically adapt to the individual and instantaneous needs of network users. The objective of the chapter is to introduce the idea of Synchromodality. We discuss the current position and evolution of intermodal hinterland transport systems. Next, we describe the main elements of a synchronized intermodal transport system and the innovations that are necessary to arrive at synchromodal transport systems. We further describe the barriers for future development including technological, economical and institutional aspects

A consolidation model for cargo-driven intermodal transportation

Accessibility of main sea ports by road has become increasingly difficult due to rapid growth in container throughput. To deal with this challenge, new ways for handling containers and distribution of cargo flows are needed to define and implement. One possibility is going beyond container transportation and considering cargos inside the containers in the design and operation of transportation networks. Consequently, by consolidation of cargo flows, the utilization of container capacity can be improved and the number of transportation fleet will be reduced. This idea is further discussed in this paper and a mathematical model for the operation of such a consolidation center is presented.Transport & PlanningCivil Engineering and Geoscience

Decentralized vs. centralized management of abnormal situations in a multi-plant enterprise using an agent-based approach

10.1016/S1570-7946(10)28204-4Computer Aided Chemical Engineering28C1219-122