An efficient method for the three-dimensional container loading problem by forming box sizes

Abstract

This study focuses on a real-world case that is defined as an extension of the container loading problem (CLP) with weakly heterogeneous types of boxes. A company producing plastic cups wants to increase its efficiency in container loading operations. To solve the problem, a hybrid approach including a static rule to rank orders and integer nonlinear programming (INLP) models is developed. INLP models form box sizes according to the properties of the cups, and determine the position of the boxes in layers while simultaneously minimizing the layer-depth. The presented approach is tested on real-world cases and benchmark data sets. The results show that simultaneously forming boxes and solving the CLP increases the effectiveness of container loading operations.