Posted: August 24th, 2023
Managing Optimum Workload through Terminal Appointment System (TAS)
Managing Optimum Workload through Terminal Appointment System (TAS)
The terminal appointment system (TAS) is a method of scheduling and managing the workload of container terminals. TAS aims to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and optimize the utilization of resources at the terminals. TAS allows terminal operators to allocate time slots for truck arrivals and departures, and to coordinate the loading and unloading of containers. TAS also enables truck drivers to book their appointments online, and to receive real-time information about the status of their transactions.
TAS has several benefits for both terminal operators and truck drivers. For terminal operators, TAS can help to balance the workload throughout the day, avoid peak hours, and reduce waiting times. TAS can also improve the productivity of terminal equipment, such as cranes and yard vehicles, by minimizing idle time and maximizing throughput. TAS can also enhance the safety and security of terminal operations, by reducing traffic accidents and preventing unauthorized access. For truck drivers, TAS can save time and fuel costs, by reducing queuing and driving distances. TAS can also improve the quality of service, by providing accurate information and feedback, and by reducing errors and disputes.
However, TAS also faces some challenges and limitations. One challenge is to design a fair and efficient allocation mechanism for time slots, that can accommodate the preferences and constraints of both terminal operators and truck drivers. Another challenge is to ensure the compliance and cooperation of truck drivers, who may have incentives to deviate from their appointments or to cancel them at the last minute. A third challenge is to cope with uncertainties and disruptions, such as weather conditions, equipment breakdowns, or unexpected demand fluctuations, that may affect the performance of TAS. A fourth challenge is to integrate TAS with other systems and stakeholders, such as port authorities, customs agencies, shipping lines, or inland transport providers, that may have different objectives and requirements.
Therefore, TAS requires careful planning, implementation, and evaluation, in order to achieve its potential benefits. Several studies have proposed and tested various models and methods for TAS design and optimization (e.g., Chen et al., 2016; Liu et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2020). These studies have considered different aspects of TAS, such as slot pricing, slot allocation, slot adjustment, slot reservation, slot cancellation, slot enforcement, slot coordination, slot synchronization, etc. These studies have also applied different techniques, such as mathematical programming, simulation, game theory, machine learning, etc., to solve the complex problems involved in TAS. However, there is still room for improvement and innovation in TAS research and practice.
In conclusion, TAS is a promising approach for managing optimum workload at container terminals. TAS can bring significant benefits for both terminal operators and truck drivers. However, TAS also poses some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. Future research should continue to explore new models and methods for TAS design and optimization, and to evaluate their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
Works Cited
Chen G., Govindan K., Yang Z., Choi T.M., Song S., “Terminal appointment system design by considering truck drivers’ behavior”, Transportation Research Part B: Methodological 93 (2016): 470-494.
Liu X., Wan Y.W., Zhang D., Yan W., “A bi-level programming model for the slot allocation of container terminals”, Computers & Industrial Engineering 116 (2018): 178-188.
Wang S., Meng Q., Liu Z., “A survey on container truck appointment system optimization”, Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review 133 (2020): 101861.