Modeling and Optimizing Intermodal Logistics Route across the Taiwan Straits

Abstract

This paper specifies a decision support model devoted for freight forwarders to optimize intermodal logistics route selection across the Taiwan Straits. A multi-objective model is developed for jointly minimizing the total system costs and total transportation time of route selection results based on the estimated hub transfer impedances within the studied ‘Mini-Three-Links’ and the ‘Three-Direct-Links’ networks, while at the same time optimizing the choice of transfer terminals connecting different modes. Findings in this study show that most commodities should be transported by sea through the ‘Mini-Three-Links’ networks due to their lowest transportation costs and reduced freight inspection time. In addition, some higher value commodities should be delivered by sea express due to its low transportation time and costs.