Integrating Intra-terminal Logistics Optimization and Freight Train Scheduling

Abstract

Intermodal freight transportation is characterized by the use of multiple different modes of transportation to transport goods from their origin to their destination. This allows freight carriers to combine the individual advantages of each mode to design an overall better route than would be possible with only a single mode. However, the use of multiple modes of transportation necessitates their synchronization to allow for the expeditious transshipment of goods at intermodal terminals. We propose an algorithmic optimization framework for planning transshipment operations within an intermodal freight train terminal that also considers the availability of connected overland railway tracks according to available railway infrastructure timetables by interfacing with the railway simulation tool OpenTrack.