A Markov process model of sizing the capacity of reserved storage yard in intermodal container terminal

The intermodal container terminal is an important node linking the routes of shipping and China Railway Express. This paper proposes a Markov process model to explore the optimal capacity of the reserved storage yard in the intermodal container terminal. The flow balance equations are formulated to calculate the steady-state probability. The total cost is taken as the performance measure. Numerical analysis manifests that the railway preference rate and the strategy with and without transfer obviously affect the optimum capacity of the reserved storage yard. Some useful insights for the management of the intermodal container terminal are discussed.