Simulation of truck arrival process at a seaport: evaluating truck-sharing benefits for empty trips reduction

ABSTRACT

Empty running of container trucks increases empty miles. With the aim of a reduction in the number of empty-truck trips, this study simulates the truck-sharing idea in a port and also evaluates the positive effects of the changes made. This study develops simulation models for the current process (the current truck arrival process in a seaport) and the proposed process (the idea of truck-sharing). The data for this study are provided by a local port. Simulation results are validated by using real-life data from the port. The simulation results confirm that the truck-sharing idea boosts port transport capacity, and that it can handle the increasing future truck volume effectively. The truck-sharing idea can also account for reduced emissions released from trucks in the port surroundings. The results of the simulation will be useful in persuading port authorities to evaluate truck-sharing initiatives. This study will assist port managers with replies to questions, such as ‘What impact will truck-sharing have on transport capacity expansion?’

KEYWORDS:

• Simulation
• supply chain collaboration
• sustainability
• carbon emission
• pollution

Acknowledgement

I would like to sincerely thank Professor Tava Olsen for helping me with simulation and reviewing the chapter for scientific and technical merit. Tava Olsen is Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Auckland business school.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.