Details:

Creators:
Huynh, Nathan N. ; Walton, C. Michael
Huynh, Nathan N. ; Walton, C. Michael Less -
Corporate Creators:
University of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation Research
Corporate Contributors:
United States. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Innovative Technology Administration
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Container Handling Container Terminals Cranes Intermodal Yards Methodology Scheduling Simulation Terminal Operations Truck Traffic Turnaround Time
Publication/ Report Number:
SWUTC/05/167830-1
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
United States
Corporate Publisher:
Southwest Region University Transportation Center (U.S.)
Abstract:
One of the prominent issues container terminal operators in the US are seeking to address is how to effectively

reduce truck turn time. Historically, truck turn time has received very little attention from terminal operators because port

congestion has never been a barrier to their operations. However, with the recent explosive growth in containerized trade,

terminals are straining to accommodate the truck traffic that moves through them. The heavy intermodal truck traffic is not

only causing problems for terminal operators but for the public as well. The emissions from idling trucks are a hazard to

people working and living in and around the terminals. With containerized trade volume expected to double in the next ten

years, the problems associated with port congestion could get worse if measures are not taken to address the source of the

problems.

Terminals in some areas of the US are now required by state law to expedite the flow of trucks through their

terminals. In California, any truck that idles for more than thirty minutes will result in a $250 fine to the terminal operator.

This law has prompted terminal operators to look for ways to move trucks through their terminals faster, not just to avoid

paying the fine, but also to lower the inland transportation cost of shipping a container via their terminals to remain

competitive.

This research investigates the two measures terminal operators are taking to reduce their terminals’ truck turn

time. The first measure is investing in additional yard cranes to facilitate the handling of containers. To this end, this

research seeks to assist terminal operators in deciding whether or not to make the investment. Statistical and simulation

methodologies are developed to better understand the availability of yard cranes versus truck turn time. The second

measure is implementing a truck appointment system to regulate the number of trucks into the terminal. To this end, this

research seeks to assist terminal operators in evaluating the consequences of limiting truck arrivals into the terminals.

Furthermore, this research develops a methodology to assist terminal operators in implementing the truck appointment

system, should they decided to have one.


Format:
PDF
Funding:
10727
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection University Transportation Centers
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:713b7d6fc57293545f1376be0127f2fcd56a60601f7d9b6890613a25d24efcc5
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/29635/dot_29635_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

• No Additional Files

More +