The impact of the intermodal terminal operation strategy on container train loading duration

The aim of the article was to study the impact of various real-life factors determining the container train loading process duration. Various strategies of the crane operation were considered. Among the factors influencing the train loading duration, railcar hitching pin configuration, container weight, railcar capacity, and arrangement of containers in the storage yard were considered. The FlexSim simulation model of the container terminal was developed, covering the storage yard and the railway track. The analysis shows that the number of containers collected directly from the storage yard has the greatest impact on the train loading duration.