Modeling Empty Container Matching Opportunities through a Virtual Container Yard

Empty container drayage trips are considered to be a major problem for port metropolitan areas, they add to traffic congestion, increase emissions and are considered to be an inefficient equipment interchange. A Virtual Container Yard (VCY) is an Internet based information sharing platform, aiming at permitting empty container interchange and other processes to take place without moving the container back to the marine terminal or an empty container depot Using a VCY system as a platform for sharing and providing information among the different port players (ocean carriers, trucking operators etc.) to make freight logistics more efficient by means of street-turns (direct empty container moves from a consignee to the next consignor) is increasingly considered as a viable solution in reducing empty Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and associated congestion and emissions. This paper describes a modeling approach and a simulation model that captures the process of matching empty containers and the essential features of implementing a VCY. The anticipated benefits from VCY implementation, in terms of VMT reduction and the economic conditions for the successful operation of the system are quantified. The results for different scenarios of input parameters, system environments and practical constraints, in order to make the system feasible, are presented and analyzed. The paper concludes with recommendations to achieve favorable conditions for practical implementation of the system.