Analysis of Stacking Priority Rules to Improve Drayage Operations Using Existing and Emerging Technologies

Of the many emerging technologies being developed to expedite the flow of cargo through intermodal facilities, automated transfer management systems (ATMSs) have the potential to improve trucks' in-terminal dwell times significantly while the trucks are performing outbound or inbound moves. This paper presents a framework for integrating existing technologies (e.g., intelligent transportation systems, e-business systems) and emerging technologies (e.g., ATMSs) and using this framework to shorten the time for a drayage truck to pick up an import container. Shortening this time is of critical importance in reducing engine idling time and stop-and-go lugging time. Reduced truck idling translates directly into reduced diesel emissions, including emission of fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and greenhouse gases. This paper specifically investigates the effect of priority rules for stacking containers into the ATMS to improve port drayage operations. The analysis of priority rules is made on the basis of a computer simulation model developed for this study, and the analysis of emissions reduction is based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay DrayFLEET model. The obtained results confirm the hypothesis that the earliest arrival time priority rule yields better drayage performance than the closest appointment time priority rule.