Import storage yard layout in vehicle terminals

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem faced by terminal operators in organizing the import storage yard of vehicle terminals. An analytical model is developed to quantify rehandling moves and storage density for each storage layout, characterized by a shape parameter. Afterwards the total cost function of the yard is defined. The target of the paper is to set up the storage layout which minimizes total cost and maximizes terminals’ capacity. A numerical case, based on a real terminal, is tested. Results show the optimal layout is quite sensitive to labor and opportunity costs. Nonetheless, block lines with more than two import vehicles are economically feasible.