This paper presents an integrated network model combining empty containers assignment, and empty and full containers transhipment operations, aiming to help managers to deal with the typically unbalanced trading export and import containers. In the network, nodes represent customers, leasing companies, harbors and warehouses; while arcs represent transportation routes. The underlying mathematical model operates in stages. First, the demand for empty containers is adjusted, considering global customers supplies and demands. Next, a transhipment model determines the minimal cost solution, using linear programming. The transportation routes are registered and dynamically controlled, cycling through the stages, for a given time horizon. The model is flexible, allowing several parameters to be configured. A simulation system was implemented using randomly generated parameters, to evaluate the model's complexity, to test different solutions, and to verify the mathematical formulation.
Containers distribution; transportation; linear programming; heuristics; decision support system
