Optimization of Container Multimodal Transport Service Based on Segmented Procurement

Abstract

This paper proposed the double optimization objectives including minimization of total transport cost and total transport time in container multimodal transport from the perspective of multimodal transport operators. Based on the routes selection and convergent combination of transport time, space, and volume, an optimization model of segmented procurement in container multimodal transport was established with regard to the elements constraints of shippers’ orders, organization forms of container multimodal transport, container delivery location, transportation road and mode, transportation time, and freight rate. The natural constraint language (NCL) was employed to establish algorithm procedure for searching and solving the problem. Numerical examples show that the model and its searching algorithm are not only prone to implement and solve the problem, but also are quite good at the application results, and the goal of seamless integrated container multimodal transport is achieved.