Optimal Design of Intermodal Transportation Facilities: Simulation as a Tool to211 Model Intermodal Container Movements

摘要

The 'container revolution' of the last forty years has altered the manner in211u001ewhich transportation modes interact. Containerized freight continues to increase 211u001ewith ever larger ships, double stack train service, and trucking companies 211u001ededicated to intermodal container movements. The goal of 'seamless' interaction 211u001ebetween modes is based on a desire to reduce container dwell times at facilities 211u001eand thus improve productivity and profitability. Consequently, the design of 211u001eintermodal container terminals, the selection of appropriate lift equipment, and 211u001emanpower allocation is of paramount importance to facility productivity. Tools 211u001efor facility design undergo continual improvement. Simulation is one such tool 211u001ethat has become more flexible and more powerful over the last several years. The 211u001ecurrent research is dedicated to developing a general simulation model of ship-to-211u001erail intermodal container movements with the goal of providing analytical support 211u001eto operations and facility design personnel.