Terminal Logistics Research Articles

Simulation-based evaluation of road transportation logistics in a dry port with topographic challenges

The extension of existing container terminals or the creation of new ones introduces new logistical challenges, including topographic issues and increased distances between the quays and storage yards located several kilometers away from the quay (dry port). These challenges are complex to evaluate analytically and directly impact the acceleration, deceleration, and average speed of a truck which in turn affect the productivity and synchronization of the overall terminal logistics. This paper proposes a transportation simulation model that incorporates detailed descriptions of the topographical and geometrical restrictions. Our simulation model evaluates various scenarios for container transportation logistics, including varying road design terminals and truck fleet size to enhance productivity. A case study from a potential container terminal on Canada’s St. Lawrence River is used to demonstrate the simulation model. Several scenarios with different designs are tested and the simulation provides numerical results for supporting decision makers.

Analysis of barriers to adopting Industry 4.0 to achieve agri‐food supply chain sustainability: A group‐based fuzzy analytic hierarchy process

AbstractAgri‐food supply chains (AFSCs) need to become more sustainable, and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a crucial enabler. However, various barriers make adopting I4.0 technologies to achieve AFSC sustainability challenging. Few previous studies have examined China's agri‐food industry. Through a literature review and consultation of Chinese experts, we identify 27 barriers in six categories and prioritize these using a group‐based fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to produce novel results. First, we identify six new I4.0 adoption barriers closely linked with China's economic, social and cultural environments, including acquisition of intelligent agricultural equipment subsidies based on guanxi. Second, our prioritization of barriers reveals that the key challenges to applying I4.0 are the increased cost of terminal logistics, acquisition of intelligent agricultural equipment subsidies based on guanxi, low compatibility of I4.0 technologies with existing agricultural equipment, and problems with the government subsidy model. These results have managerial implications for governments and knowledge dissemination organizations.

Location Selection Methods for Urban Terminal Co-Distribution Centers with Air–Land Collaboration

Urban terminal logistics and distribution enterprises face the problems of duplicated network layouts, high costs, and inefficient urban environments. Recently, collaborative distribution using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground vehicles has been considered as a means of reducing costs and enhancing efficiency, thus overcoming the issues created by the high-density layout of enterprises’ relatively independent networks. This essentially involves constructing an air–ground collaborative common distribution network. To optimize the economic cost and distribution time of network operations, we established a site selection planning model for air–ground cooperative urban co-distribution centers and designed a solution method based on gray wolf optimization with K-means clustering. Taking the Wangsheren area of Jinan City, China, as an example, 15 UAV co-distribution centers and 13 vehicle co-distribution centers were identified. Although the average distribution cost of the network rose by 35–50% compared to traditional terminal distribution, the time saving was 80–85%, greatly improving the high-value-added service capacity. The end-distribution efficiency and customer satisfaction were also enhanced, which fully verifies the feasibility, validity, and applicability of the proposed model. Our approach can be applied to landing sites and the planning and optimization of large-scale commercial operations using logistics UAVs in urban areas.

Patterns and sources of spatial inequity in freight crashes: An application of decomposition analysis

Despite considerable increases in road freight traffic and associated crashes over the past decade, our understanding of their spatial distribution remains limited. This is concerning because freight vehicle crashes often lead to fatal and severe injuries. This study focuses on Seoul, South Korea and contributes to the literature by investigating the patterns and sources of spatial inequity in freight crashes. Specifically, it examines whether socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods experience a higher concentration of freight crashes. Using the Gelbach’s decomposition technique, this study also aims to identify the factors contributing to differences in freight crashes between disadvantaged and less-disadvantaged neighborhoods and quantify their relative contributions. The regression results show that severe freight crashes are more prevalent in disadvantaged neighborhoods before adjusting for other factors—a pattern not observed in non-severe crashes. The decomposition analysis reveals that the observed disparities in severe freight crashes between disadvantaged and less-disadvantaged neighborhoods are fully explained by differences in several neighborhood characteristics, including local road density, truck traffic volume density, proximity to logistics terminals, and off-road bicycle lane density, between neighborhood types. Interestingly, differences in built environment characteristics between neighborhood types not only fail to explain but instead counteract the disparities in severe freight crashes. The findings of this study suggest detailed policy implications for mitigating freight crash occurrences and addressing related spatial inequities.

Potential and observed accessibilities of terminal logistics facilities: A case study of express delivery outlets in the central urban area of Guangzhou City

Potential and observed accessibilities of terminal logistics facilities: A case study of express delivery outlets in the central urban area of Guangzhou City

Emerging Information and Communication Technologies: the challenges for the delivery loads using public logistics terminals

The paper reviews the literature on the developed and implemented solutions for delivering in inner-city areas pointing out the multi-echelon solutions and discussing the pros and cons in terms of operational and external costs, as well as exploring the opportunity supplied by the emerging information and communication technologies (ICTs) in optimising transfer operations.

Examining influencing factors of express delivery stations' spatial distribution using the gradient boosting decision trees: A case study of Nanjing, China.

Online shopping has promoted the development of logistics and express delivery businesses. Express delivery stations are closely related to residents' daily lives, and it is an important topic for the study of urban consumption space and commercial service space. This paper analyzed the factors influencing the spatial distribution of terminal logistics space (express delivery stations) in the process of online shopping. The gradient boosting decision trees (GBDT) was selected for analyzing the factors influencing the distribution of express delivery stations. The results demonstrated that express delivery stations' distribution is mainly influenced by commercial retail and residential neighborhoods, showing a clustering toward consumer spaces and residential areas. This paper studied the association between express delivery stations and other functional spaces in the city, and established an analytical framework for the factors influencing the spatial distribution of express delivery stations. The research results help to improve the rationality and effectiveness of the setting and management of the terminal logistics space in the online shopping process.

STUDY OF MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE FORMATION OF TRANSPORT LOGISTICS TERMINALS

The article is devoted to cluster analysis of the regions of the potential location of logistics terminals. The subjects of Uzbekistan are divided into four clusters depending on the level of their socio-economic, infrastructural development, geographical location and the volume of transport work performed. A statistical model is developed that includes a set of equations and dependency functions of such socio-economic factors in the formation of the logistics infrastructure of the regions as average per capita income of the population, the gross regional product (GRP), specific volume of trade and industrial production, exports and imports, the level of investment, the number of the economically active population, the volume of fixed assets and transport services, as well as indices of transport work - the physical volume of transportation by road and rail. The dependence of the volume of transport services in the regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the income of the population, the gross regional product, the density of roads, the volume of exports and belonging to clusters was established. As a result, the regions of Uzbekistan, in terms of the location of freight infrastructure on the railways in order to develop potential transport and logistics clusters, were grouped depending on the indices of socio-economic and infrastructure development.

The Role of Multimodal Transportation in Ensuring Sustainable Territorial Development: Review of Risks and Prospects

The Russian Arctic development is an investment direction, which is planned through a system of so-called “support zones” of various development degrees, it is a priority for Russia and can have a positive effect. Since integrated territorial development is associated with significant cargo flows of raw materials, materials and goods, logistics chains will include various transport modes, which will lead to the development of infrastructure (including the construction and reconstruction of seaports, the network of the railways and roads expansion) and the emergence of new international transport corridors (ITCs). A scientifically based solution to the problems of constructing a delivery route, including the location of transshipment points, logistics terminals and the rolling stock selection, will ensure the sustainable territories development through which ITCs pass. However, these tasks, which constitute the activity of organizing multimodal transportation, are associated with various types of risks, the successful solution of which, in this case, depends on the sustainable territorial development of these territories. Therefore, the research objective is to establish the relationship between the development of transport networks and the development of the Arctic region, the designation of possible prospects for the development of both multimodal transportation as a whole as a strategic event, and the contribution of each kind of transport, as well as the risks of creating and using international transport corridors, including cumulative impact on the environment. As a result of the literature analysis, we have considered the causes and consequences of the improper planning of supply chains and infrastructure, then we have indicated the role of new transport corridors in the development of territories. We have built a tree of problems in order to systematize risk situations and identify root causes and consequences. A method for calculating the cargo delivery time is proposed, taking into account the multimodality of logistics chains as well as measures that help reduce risks.

Non-Visual Sensing of Metallic Pavement Markers From a Moving Vehicle

Snow and ice covering paved surfaces cause problems for roads and other vehicles operating in cold regions. There are notable risks for road accidents and reduced performance of vehicle movements, e.g., in industrial facilities such as ports, when road markings and marked pathways are not visually observable. In this study, metallic paved surface markers identified by metal sensors are tested. The sound signals captured by a metal detector attached to the vehicle are used to detect the markings. Results indicate that the tested method for reading markings through snow is effective at lower speeds. The main advantages of the tested technology are effectiveness in snowy and icy surface conditions, low upfront cost detection technology in some environments, robust system without moving parts, high sampling rate, and low operating costs. The procedure is not restricted to specific environmental conditions, such as snow and ice; it also has the potential to detect markings through layers of mud, tree leaves or sand. The detectors have application prospects in intelligent transportation system applications at airports, logistics terminals and industrial facilities.

Review on Combined Vehicle Routing Problem of Drones and Vehicles

On the one hand, the rapid development of e-commerce has put forward higher requirements and standards for the logistics industry, which has forced the transformation of the terminal logistics delivery model; on the other hand, drones have developed fast in the field of logistics terminal delivery due to their high flexibility and high efficiency. This paper summarizes the domestic and foreign research status of vehicle route problem of four combined distribution modes, and points out the future research direction.

Possibilities of Using Innovative Drive Systems for Various Types of Electric Vehicles for Seaports, Container and Logistics Terminals

Possibilities of Using Innovative Drive Systems for Various Types of Electric Vehicles for Seaports, Container and Logistics Terminals

Моделирование перерабатывающей способности терминально-логистических объектов железнодорожного пограничного перехода Нижнеленинское (РФ) – Тунцзян (КНР)

The workload of terminal and warehouse facilities of the transport and logistics center «Nizhneleninskoye» under construction, accompanying the railway bridge crossing Nizhneleninskoye (RF) - Tongjiang (PRC), is investigated. The transport and terminal logistics infrastructure of the Nizhneleninskoye - Tongjiang border crossing is considered. The paper uses theoretical research methods, including modeling, visualization and comparison. Crossborder infrastructure projects, including railway and automobile bridge crossings, are considered, indicating the existing and prospective capacity. The technical and operational characteristics of the transport and terminal logistics infrastructure of the Nizhneleninskoye - Tongjiang railway border crossing are given. The technical and technological parameters of the warehouse complex of the transport and logistics center Nizhneleninskoe are described. The results of two modeling scenarios are presented - at the first stage of operation of the transport and logistics center «Nizhneleninskoe» and at the second stage of operation with infrastructure development for prospective cargo handling. With the increase in the incoming cargo flow by 2.5 times at the second stage of operation of the warehouse complex, during the simulation, the load of the storage area of the warehouse complex increased by 40%, the load of lifting and transport equipment increased, which affected the reduction in the number of handled and shipped loaded vehicles. In order to speed up intra-warehouse operations, it is proposed to develop options for moving lifting and transport equipment, designate «hot» and «cold» zones of the warehouse, determine the required staff numbers with distribution by working positions, draw up technological maps and daily work schedules of the warehouse.

An optimisation method of factory terminal logistics distribution route based on K-means clustering

An optimisation method of factory terminal logistics distribution route based on K-means clustering

An optimisation method of factory terminal logistics distribution route based on K-means clustering

An optimisation method of factory terminal logistics distribution route based on K-means clustering

Creation of transport and logistics clusters on railway networks

The development of logistics terminals and their placement on the railway network, which involves their integration into transport and logistics clusters, will significantly reduce logistics costs, thanks to the optimal technology for the movement of goods, and also contributes to active import substitution and the level of growth in the competitiveness of goods and services. Clustering, which is being given great attention by the Government of the country today, will allow solving some issues of territorial balance of production concentration, increasing the share of high-tech industries, avoiding dependence on trade in resources, increasing the added value of goods, increasing economic growth rates. Modern Uzbekistan has huge transport potential and unique opportunities to meet the needs of the country in the movement of both goods and passengers in all directions by all possible modes of transport through the use of available transit resources. The article analyzes the sectoral structure of the industry of Uzbekistan, shows the existing clusters of the agricultural sector of the republic. The methods of assessing the level of cluster development in the context of the regions of Uzbekistan are described. Paired correlation analysis was used to determine the presence and type of relationship between the studied factors. As a result, the regions of Uzbekistan in terms of the placement of freight infrastructure on railways in order to create potential transport and logistic clusters were grouped depending on the indicators of socio-economic and infrastructural development.

융복합 물류 기술 개발 성과 실검증을 위한 표준 프로세스 설계 연구

Currently, as the e-commerce rapidly grows, the demand of new technologies in last-mile logistics service has been increased. In order to respond to the demand, Korean government launched the R&D projects to develop the converged technologies to enhance the last-mile logistics service. However, each project develops its own operation process related the certain facility or service area. It may cause several problems related connectivity and interoperability among outcomes of R&D projects. Also, it will cause additional cost to apply the outcomes to the practical logistics business. In this research, we have proposed the framework to design the standard process for the last-mile logistics service. The standard process is composed with three connected main parts, urban shared logistics terminals, urban shared underground logistics network, and urban logistics delivery point. The standard process will be utilized as the guide for each R&D project to develop its own operation system. Also, with the proposed standard process, it may be possible to enhance the connectivity and interoperability of the whole R&D project. In addition, the proposed framework may be benchmarked for the R&D project supported by government as well as private companies.

Modeling of emergency support capacity and optimization of delivery service system for urban living materials under uncertain situations: a case study of Xi’an City during COVID-19 epidemic

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought a heavy burden and severe challenges to the global economy and society, forcing different countries and regions to take various preventive and control measures ranging from normal operations to partial or complete lockdowns. Taking Xi’an city as an example, based on multisource POI data for the government’s vegetable storage delivery points, logistics terminal outlets, designated medical institutions, communities, etc., this paper uses the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area method (2SFCA) and other spatial analysis methods to analyze the spatial pattern of emergency support points (ESPs) and express logistics terminals in different situations. It then discusses construction and optimization strategies for urban emergency support and delivery service systems. The conclusions are as follows. (1) The ESPs are supported by large-scale chain supermarkets and fresh supermarkets, which are positively related to the population distribution.The spatial distribution of express logistics terminals is imbalanced, dense in the middle while sparse at the edges. 90% of express terminals are located within a 500 m distance of communities, however, some terminals are shared, which restrict their ability to provide emergency support to surrounding residents. (2) In general, accessibility increases as the number of ESPs increases; under normal traffic, as the distance threshold increases, the available ESPs increase but accessibility slightly decreases; with a traffic lockdown, the travel distance of residents is limited, and as ESPs increase, accessibility and the number of POIs covered significantly increase. (3) The spatial accessibility of the ESPs has a “dumbbell-shaped” distribution, with highest accessibility in the north and south, higher around the second ring road, slightly lower in the center, and lowest near the third ring road at east and west. (4) With the goal of “opening up the logistics artery and unblocking the distribution microcirculation”, based on “ESPs + couriers + express logistics terminals + residents”, this paper proposes to build and optimize the urban emergency support and delivery service system to improve the comprehensive ability of the city to cope with uncertain risks.

Methodology for determining the optimal territorial location of transport and logistics terminals on river transport

The article discusses the problem of determining the optimal location of cargo terminals in the cargo delivery system. The methods and approaches by which this task is traditionally solved are considered. Based on the analysis of scientific publications, it was concluded that it is advisable to use the center of gravity method of cargo flows to solve the indicated problem. Proposals have been made to finalize this approach, taking into account a number of additional criteria that are important for interested participants in the transport and logistics delivery system. The methodology for determining the optimal location of the terminal in the system of cargo transportation along the international transport corridor with the participation of river transport has been developed and presented. The results of testing of the methodology on the reference example on grain transportation within the framework of the international transport corridor "North-South" are given. Conclusions were drawn on the possibility of using the proposed methodology in the formation of a reference network of terminals in transport and logistics systems for the delivery of goods in international and regional traffic, as well as possible directions for its development.

Application Research on Real-Time Interactive Simulation System of Container Yard Based on Unity3D

In view of the limitations of the mathematical method used in the container terminal logistics system, this paper uses Unity3D to establish a computer simulation model for the container automated yard, which dynamically displays the operation process of the container automated yard logistics system in real time. Through the plane four-parameter coordinate conversion method and by taking the Shanghai urban construction coordinate system as the medium, it completes the conversion from the satellite positioning reference ellipsoid coordinates to the three-dimensional virtual scene coordinates. The example results show that the method is reliable and practical, improves the accuracy and efficiency of positioning, and provides a reliable reference basis for the container terminal logistics system.