Service network design for an intermodal container network with flexible transit times and the possibility of using subcontracted transport

Abstract

An intermodal container transportation network is being developed between Rotterdam and several inland terminals in North West Europe: the EUROPEAN GATEWAY SERVICES (EGS) network. This network is developed and operated by the seaports of EUROPE CONTAINER TERMINALS (ECT). To use this network costefficiently, a centralized planning of the container transportation is required, to be operated by the seaport. In this paper, a new mathematical model is proposed for the service network design. The model uses a combination of a path-based formulation and a minimum flow network formulation. It introduces two new features to the intermodal network-planning problem. Firstly, overdue deliveries are penalized instead of prohibited. Secondly, the model combines self-operated and subcontracted services. The service network design considers the network-planning problem at a tactical level: the optimal service schedule between the given network terminals is determined. The model considers self-operated or subcontracted barge and rail services as well as transport by truck. The model is used for the service network design of the EGS network. For this case, the benefit of using container transportation with multiple legs and intermediate transfers is studied. Also, a preliminary test of the influence of the new aspects of the model is done. The preliminary results indicate that the proposed model is suitable for the service network design in modern intermodal container transport networks. Also, the results suggest that a combined business model for the network transport and terminals is worth investigating further, as the transit costs can be reduced with lower transfer costs.

Impact and relevance of transit disturbances on planning in intermodal container networks using disturbance cost analysis

“…In earlier work the authors studied the first part of synchromodal planning ( Van Riessen et al, 2013): the use of intermediate transfers in the intermodal planning. A new service network design model was formulated to consider the benefit of using additional corridors between inland terminals.…”

“…The so-called Linear Container Allocation model with Time-restrictions (LCAT) is based on our earlier work (Van Riessen et al, 2013) and has the following key characteristics: the model combines the allocation of containers to paths with capacity constraints on all corridors; the model allows for overdue delivery at a penalty cost; and, the model combines self-operated services with subcontracted transport. This model can be used to assess the effect of various disturbances in the network.…”

“…In earlier work we used a similar model that also required pre-processing the set of suitable paths ( Van Riessen et al, 2013) for each cargo class. In that application, the set of suitable paths was using a shortest path method, based on the geographical arc lengths.…”

“…Or the model could use a list of all possible paths in the used service schedule. Alternatively, we propose to use an automated method to generate a relatively small set of paths for each cargo class , using the following assumptions: a) Only paths with a maximum of 3 legs are considered, as paths with more legs proved irrelevant ( Van Riessen et al, 2013). b) Paths with a detour of more than 10% in any of the transportation legs are ignored.…”

“…The network connects the Rotterdam seaport with hinterland terminals in North-West Europe via three modes: the network focuses on barge and rail transportation, but also considers trucking if necessary. The service schedule used in the study is adapted from the actual service schedule in this network, based on the results of our earlier study into the service schedule of the EGS network (Van Riessen et al, 2013). The service frequencies (per week) on all corridors are shown in Figure 4.…”