Optimization of empty container repositioning and renting in China Railway Express based on container sharing strategy

Influenced by the trade surplus between China and Europe, the uneven supply of goods and the fierce competition in the market of the China Railway Express companies, the cost of empty container acquisition remains high. In the decision-making period, when the transport demand of China Railway Express is known, this paper established a dynamic optimization model of empty container acquisition for the problem of empty container reposition and rent based on the container sharing strategy. Its objective is to minimize the total cost of empty container acquisition during the decision period considering relevant factors, such as empty container transportation, handing, saving and renting costs. The numerical example results show that the container sharing strategy can reduce the total cost of empty container acquisition of China Railway Express effectively. And based on this example, the impact of the ratio of backhaul and outbound of China Railway Express on the total cost was analyzed. © 2020, Central South University Press. All rights reserved.