A systems analysis of empty container logistics: a case study of Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Containerised freight is a key component of global and urban trade. Empty containers are a necessary outcome of such trade and have operational costs close to that of full containers yet are not a source of revenue as the latter is. A literature review revealed regional repositioning to be a complex problem due to a multitude of interacting parts and distributed decision making among stakeholders which have conflicting objectives. The goal is to optimise the activities related to urban goods movements and reduce the total social cost of these activities. The purpose of this study is to develop a detailed description and understanding of the empty container movements in Melbourne using a mode..