A Study on the RTLS based Dynamic Planning of Yard Tractors in Container Terminals

Lee, Seok-Yong; Lee, Chul-Ho

Journal of Navigation and Port Research 2007;31(2):141-149.
Published online March 30, 2007.

A Study on the RTLS based Dynamic Planning of Yard Tractors in Container Terminals

Abstract

The competitiveness of container terminals hinges on minimizing the time vessels spend in port and on schedule services. Many precious researches on container terminals have tried to optimize the equipment allocation plan and to improve the activity of resources. Nevertheless, there have been few researches conducted on yard tractors, which move containers between the quay and the yard The aim of this study is to propose the use of Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) based Dynamic Planning for yard tractors. Only RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, which are attached to yard tractors, are able to support RTLS implementation. The system can provide real time job ordering in terms of load balancing using the information on location, in regards to the movement of yard tractors. This study will present the practical feasibility of RTLS, which can ultimately reduce the congestion of Hot Queues in container terminals. As a result, container terminals can be more productive and competitive. In order to accomplish the purpose of this study, we examined precious studies on the competitiveness of container terminals and summarized the potential of RTLS using RFID. In addition, we identified the role of yard tractors and proposed the two rules of Dynamic Planning for the yard tractors. We then fulfilled computational experiments on how yard tractors carrying containers by RTLS ordering. Finally, the benefits and the implications of this study are discussed.

Key Words: Dynamic planning;Yard tractors;Real time location system;Container terminals