Multimodal terminal containers handling: Assignment and adequacy

As key elements in intermodal transportation systems, terminal cargo handling should be planned to guarantee flow continuity at minimal cost and without bottlenecks (Morlock [1978]). They represent critical points in the logistic distribution chain and can increase total cargo belay time significantly. Therefore, specialised terminals with appropriate equipment and appropriate task assignment routines are necessary. The purpose of this present work is to provide a solution to dimensioning equipment assignment problems appearing in multimodal terminals when handling containers. The proposed procedure describes the physical terminal (soil characteristics and access), activities performed by terminal equipment, equipment available to handle containers (technical specifications, acquisition and maintenance costs, and effective productivity). It also evaluates the demand in terms of flow units per activity, equipment adequacy to tasks, and finally assign equipment to tasks it? order to minimise total annual operating costs. Sensitivity analysis is also allowed to improve solutions, for instance by equipment sharing.