Logistic platform placement for harmonious development of the nation’s intermodal network

Abstract

This article considers the problem of locating multiple installations for the intermodal transport network in Colombia, and is based on the analysis of the transport of cargo from the main generating cities to the three most important port cities in the Caribbean region of the country: Barranquilla, Cartagena and Santa Marta; integrating the modes of transport by land, road and river. According to this, land transport by road is used from the source of cargo to the possible locations of the logistic platforms, and then the Magdalena River basin is used as a unique river corridor. The model proposed consists of determining the optimal location of a series of logistic platforms that guarantee a system of integration and cooperation in transport strategies for the country, in which aggregation and disaggregation of freight operations will be possible. In this aspect, an entire mixed programming model is performed with the objective of minimizing the total costs of transport and operation of the new intermodal network, with restrictions associated with the generation and processing of cargo, obtaining results in the cost functions related to cargo transport and leaving as evidence the potential of integrating intermodal transport for the country's competitiveness.