Abstract
This study analyses the impact of using foldable containers in terms of cost savings of truck drayage operations, of both loaded and empty containers, in the hinterland of a seaport. We model a vehicle routing problem to optimise empty container relocation. A simulated annealing algorithm is developed to solve the problem. Numerical experiments are carried out in realistic empty container relocation scenarios. We find that, under certain conditions, foldable containers can offer higher truck productivity compared with standard containers, hence resulting in substantial cost savings. This paper provides managerial insights into how foldable containers can help reduce the costs of hinterland transport.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 68-101 |
Number of pages | 34 |
Journal | Maritime Economics and Logistics |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2020 |
Keywords
- Container transport
- Empty container
- Foldable containers
- Hinterland transport
- Vehicle routing problem