Performance modelling and analysis of transshipment terminals in the parcel delivery industry
by Douglas McWilliams
International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IJISE), Vol. 16, No. 4, 2014

Abstract: A transshipment terminal typically used in the parcel delivery industry is modelled using fluid approximation. The objective was to gain detail insight into the behaviour of parcel flows within such terminals during transfer operations. A transshipment terminal is composed of many design-dependent and operational-dependent parameters. The analysis shows that the buffer capacity between stations impacts parcel flow congestion and has a significant impact on the operating efficiencies of transfer operations. The analysis shows that the trailer replacement times at the receiving docks and shipping docks impact flow congestion and thus also has a significant impact on the operating efficiency. With the information gained from this study, transshipment terminals can be properly designed to ensure high operating performance.

Online publication date: Sat, 07-Jun-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IJISE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com