Research On Empty Container Allocation For Sea And Intermodal Transportation Networks

The container is an advanced and normative way of transportation, and it certainly will be the main transportation mode in world trade. However, with the rapid development of container transport, costs of moving and distributing empty containers are becoming more and more considerable. Empty container turnovers make up about 20% of the all container turnovers and still keep rising every year. Because of the difference of abilities to manage empty container, the moving and distributing costs of empty containers of different shipping company can be quite different. When export and import cargoes are not balanced, empty container movement will inevitably occur. But it is possible to move less empty containers by strengthening empty container management. And it is critical to perform rational and efficient empty container movement and distribution to decrease the numbers, reduce the costs, and shorten the transportation time.The thesis focuses on the movement and distribution of empty container in sea transport and intermodal transport. By analyzing the system of container transport and studying the optimization model of container movement, the thesis is to find a rational and scientific strategy and quantitative decision method for the shipping company in empty container disposition.The thesis starts with a deep investigation on the container moving process, and then analyzes the elements of the empty container transportation system to accumulate the necessary materials for the establishment of optimization models.Secondly, the empty container allocation models of sea transportation based on static and dynamic integer programming are presented, respectively. Most factors, such as holding cost, rent cost, loading cost, unloading cost, shipping direction, shipping capacity and reachability are considered. The models are followed by two numerical examples, which show that the models are practical and efficient. Then, a series of analysis based on the numerical examples are made toshow how some factors influence the decision-making.Thirdly, the empty container allocation models of intermodal transportation based on dynamic integer programming are presented, in which transportation modes of truck, railway and ship are considered. Under the reachability and capacity constrictions, the two conditions of demand met and unmet are discussed respectively. Also it is followed by numerical example, which shows the model is correct and efficient.Finally, by analyzing the empty container logistics, the situtation of cooperation in empty container distribution and information system construction, some suggestions are put forward:(1) to integrate the logistics theory and empty container allocation practice, (2) to cooperate to distribute empty containers, (3)to develop efficient information system of container management ,(4) to carry through interrelated system reforms, which are directions of optimizing the empty container allocation in the future.Here are the innovations of the thesis:1. To present more practical and reasonable models for empty container allocation.2. To bring a kind of more rational dynamic quantitative model for empty container transfer in sea.3. To bring a quantitative model for empty container allocation in intermodal transport, in which more than one transport modes are consideredThe thesis applies the integrated system and optimization skill to study the empty container moving and distribution problem. Some valuable suggestions are put forward for further research as well as the shipping companies.