Measurement + Control (Apr 2024)

Multi-period empty container repositioning approach for multimodal transportation

  • Meiyan Chi,
  • Xiaoning Zhu,
  • Li Wang,
  • Qin Zhang,
  • Wenqian Liu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/00202940231198133
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 57

Abstract

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Due to the trade imbalance and poor management, a large number of empty containers are piled up after unpacking in importing regions, while the export-oriented areas are in urgent need of empty containers for replenishment. This paper aims to determine the volume of empty containers transferred from the surplus area to the shortage area and the inventory of each node from the operational level. We subdivide container freight stations into rail stations and road stations and consider using sea, road, and railway as transportation modes to transfer empty containers. A multi-period linear programing model of multimodal empty container repositioning is established aiming at minimizing the cost of empty container repositioning. A real case study of the transportation network in Northeast China is conducted to demonstrate that using multiple modes of transportation can significantly reduce the cost of empty container repositioning compared to using a single mode of transportation.