Models for Train Load Planning Problems in a Container Terminal

In this chapter, the train load planning problem for maritime container terminals is dealt with. In the most general case, the optimal assignment of containers to train slots is done considering that it is possible to make reshuffles in the stacking area and to load the train not sequentially; of course, both these types of unproductive movements should be minimized. In the chapter, a general formulation for this problem is provided, as well as other two formulations for the specific cases in which one of these two unproductive operations is not allowed. Then, some experimental results are reported to show the differences among the proposed models.