Layer-layout-based heuristics for loading homogeneous items into a single container

The container loading problem (CLP) is a well-known NP-hard problem. Due to the computation complexity, heuristics is an often-sought approach. This article proposes two heuristics to pack homogeneous rectangular boxes into a single container. Both algorithms adopt the concept of building layers on one face of the container, but the first heuristic determines the layer face once for all, while the second treats the remaining container space as a reduced-sized container after one layer is loaded and, hence, selects the layer face dynamically. To handle the layout design problem at a layer’s level, a block-based 2D packing procedure is also developed. Numerical studies demonstrate the efficiency of the heuristics.