01694468

Component

https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198119828289

With the gradual implementation of the Belt & Road Initiative, China Railway Express (CRExpress) has gradually gained support as an important transportation mode between China and Europe. However, the high cost of operation, caused by the unscientific organization mode and the small quantity of returning cargo, hinders the further development of CRExpress. Prior studies have shown that applying the hub-and-spoke transportation organization mode to the CRExpress system could decrease operational cost effectively. To carry out network planning for CRExpress, based on its present situation and properties, a conventional hub location model is adjusted. The network planning location model for CRExpress which minimizes total operation cost and allows direct transportation mode is proposed as well as an algorithm based on the genetic algorithm (GA) approach. The reasonableness and feasibility of the model and algorithm are investigated and verified through a case study based on the CRExpress system. The result indicates that Chengdu, Yingkow, and Zhengzhou are selected as consolidation centers whereas Urumqi and Xining adopt direct transportation mode.

19-02013

English

2019

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

Digital/other

Figures (7) ; Maps; References (19) ; Tables (4)

Case studies; Container handling; Costs; Feasibility analysis; Freight consolidators; Freight transportation; Genetic algorithms; Hubs; Location; Network analysis (Planning); Railroad transportation

China Railway Express Company; Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative (China)

China

Freight Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Feb 1 2019 12:18PM