Balancing Sea and Land Repositioning for Empty Container Logistics
摘要
Containerization has significantly transformed the transportation industry by enhancing the efficiency of the transshipment process and rapidly expanding the shipping network. However, the implementation of containers has also introduced new challenges in the shipping industry, particularly in container fleet management. This involves not only selecting the optimal container fleet size and structure but also allocating containers to ensure that demand is met. It is crucial for shipping lines to ensure container availability in various locations to avoid booking cancellations due to container shortages and lost sales. Consistent container availability helps meet customer demand and expectations, which is vital for maintaining strong customer relationships and repeat business. Shipping routes are often unbalanced, leading to an accumulation of empty containers in one region while there is a shortage in others. Consequently, repositioning empty containers between terminals becomes necessary. A simulation model has been developed to analyse repositioning costs based on minimal and maximal inventory levels for relocating empty containers at both sea and inland terminals.