Container retrieval and wagon assignment planning at container rail terminals

Efficient use of handling equipment at container terminals is important for improving operational efficiency amidst the increasing intermodal traffic and environmental concerns. This paper discusses a complex planning problem of container retrieval from storage yard and their assignment on wagons on the rail-side of terminals. The complexity of this planning problem increases further when double-stack container trains are loaded. For the first time in the literature, we discuss the terminal operator's objective of minimizing cranes' handling time while considering double-stack train loading operations. To achieve this objective, we minimize container retrieval time from the storage yard, relocation time of obstructing containers, loading time on wagons, and rail-side unproductive double-handling of containers. We propose heuristic algorithms that provide an efficient retrieval and loading plan while considering multifarious requirements of rail-side and yard-side operations. Our numerical experiments based on real-life loading of container trains show that the proposed retrieval and loading policy can decrease the cranes' handling time by an average of 11.79% compared to the commonly used policy.

Automated summary

Efficient use of handling equipment at container terminals is crucial for improving operational efficiency, especially when dealing with double-stack container trains. This paper discusses the complex planning problem of container retrieval and assignment on rail-side wagons, with the objective of minimizing crane handling time. The proposed heuristic algorithms provide an efficient solution that considers various requirements of rail-side and yard-side operations.