Using simulation to expand intermodal gateways

With trade in the Pacific Rim growing at an unprecedented rate, many West Coast ports are finding they must expand their capacity for intermodal freight, or risk losing customers to their competitors. Experts estimate that trade with China alone could triple West Coast container imports by 2025 - a growth rate that would greatly impact shipping facilities and existing rail infrastructure.

In order to meet the change in market demand, the Port of Tacoma recently used simulation modeling to prove the operational feasibility of an expansion design. The planned expansion needed to handle accelerated demand for cargo movement without negatively impacting the network or customer service. Building the simulation model involved weeks of monitoring train movement in and out of the terminal complex. It addressed:

• Present and future terminal capacity
• Traffic flow of cargo containers from ships to rail lines
• Scheduling of cargo movement

To learn more about the Port of Tacoma's use of simulation modeling to expand its intermodal terminal, read the full article

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