The cost of stevedoring containerized cargo in the United States was estimated to be $300 million in 1980. Because the cost of this mode of cargo handling is less than 50% of that for conventional cargoes, this manner of intermodal transfer is expected to continue its rapid growth. This growth in turn will create the need for additional facilities that will require substantial capital investments. Thus, substantial savings may be derived from improvements in the efficiency of container terminal operation by reducing terminal operating costs and by the deferment of capital expenditures. Recognizing the magnitude of the potential savings from improved container terminal operation, the Oregon State University Sea Grant program, in cooperation with the Port of Portland, initiated, in March of 1977, a research project (R/CE-10) to examine various opportunities for improving the efficiency of container terminal operation.