The coordination of a dual-channel container transportation service chain with an option contract

This paper examines empty container capacity planning and channel coordination in a dual-channel container transportation service chain (DCCTSC) in the context of random market demand. We first develop a benchmark model that does not take into account the option contract. Then, we introduce the option contract between the forwarder and the carrier and establish empty container leasing models in the decentralised and centralised modes. Next, we introduce an improved revenue-sharing contract based on the model constructed above to investigate the coordination of the revenue-sharing option contract in the DCCTSC. We obtain the relational equation for the contract parameters that is satisfied when the system is coordinated and analyse the Pareto improvement interval for the contract parameters that enable the carrier and the forwarder to attain a mutually beneficial outcome. Finally, the conclusion is confirmed by numerical simulation. The outcomes indicate that the option contract is effective in reducing the risk to the forwarder caused by market uncertainty, leading to an approximately 16-fold increase in its profit. The revenue-sharing option contract can reasonably distribute the system's profits, resulting in a win-win outcome for both the carrier and the forwarder, increasing the total system profit by up to 6.45%.