Development of a Cost Model for a Hinterland Container Transport from a Seaport

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Backgrounds

1.2 Objective of the Work

1.3 Methodology

1.4 Structure of the Thesis

2 The Seaport and its Characteristics

3 The Transport of a Container from a Seaport to the Hinterland

3.1 The Definition and Delimitation of the Hinterland

3.2 The Hinterland Traffic in Germany

3.3 Challenges in the Hinterland Traffic

3.4 Requirements of the Customers

3.5 Actors of the Hinterland Transport

3.6 ISO Container

3.6.1 Typical Used Container

3.6.2 Advantages and Effects of the Containerization

4 The Transport Modes of Containerized Hinterland Traffic

4.1 Containerized Hinterland Transport by Train

4.1.1 Block Train

4.1.2 Single Wagon Load

4.2 Containerized Hinterland Transport by Truck

4.3 Containerized Hinterland Transport by Barge

5 Cost Modeling for a Containerized Hinterland Transport

5.1 Types of Costs

5.2 Overview of Theoretical Transport Costs by Train

5.3 Overview of Theoretical Transport Costs by Truck

5.4 Overview of Theoretical Transport Costs by Barge

6 Determination of Transport Costs for the Route Rotterdam-Duisburg

6.1 Transportation Costs by Rail

6.1.1 Transshipment Costs Seaport

6.1.2 Main Line Operation Costs by Rail

6.1.3 Transshipment Costs Hinterland Terminal

6.1.4 Total Costs Train

6.2 Transportation Costs by Truck

6.2.1 Transshipment Costs Seaport

6.2.2 Main Line Operation Costs by Truck

6.2.3 Total Costs Truck

6.3 Transportation Costs by Barge

6.3.1 Transshipment Costs Seaport

6.3.2 Main Line Operation Costs by Barge

6.3.3 Transshipment Costs Hinterland Terminal

6.3.4 Total Costs Barge

6.4 Analysis and Evaluation of the Case Example

7 Conclusion

Objective and Research Focus

The primary objective of this thesis is to analyze different transport modes for containerized hinterland traffic by evaluating their benefits, disadvantages, and cost factors. By developing a theoretical cost model and applying it to a specific case study—the route from Rotterdam to Duisburg—the work aims to provide a recommendation for carrier choice based on cost-effectiveness and transit time.

• Analysis of seaport characteristics and hinterland supply chain actors
• Evaluation of performance criteria for rail, truck, and barge transport
• Development of a comparative cost model for hinterland container transport
• Determination of specific cost structures for the Rotterdam-Duisburg route
• Strategic recommendations for optimized hinterland distribution

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Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the background, objectives, methodology, and the structure of the thesis regarding hinterland container logistics.

2 The Seaport and its Characteristics: Discusses various types of seaports, their infrastructure, and their crucial role in the global supply chain.

3 The Transport of a Container from a Seaport to the Hinterland: Defines the hinterland, identifies key stakeholders in the supply chain, and examines the role of ISO containers and the challenges in hinterland traffic.

4 The Transport Modes of Containerized Hinterland Traffic: Compares the performance and operational characteristics of rail, truck, and barge transport systems.

5 Cost Modeling for a Containerized Hinterland Transport: Establishes a comprehensive framework for calculating transport costs, categorized by fixed, time-dependent, and distance-dependent costs for different carriers.

6 Determination of Transport Costs for the Route Rotterdam-Duisburg: Applies the developed cost model to a practical scenario, analyzing the specific financial requirements for rail, truck, and barge movements on this key route.

7 Conclusion: Summarizes the findings of the thesis and offers final considerations on future optimization for hinterland transport connections.

Keywords

Container logistics, Hinterland transport, Intermodal transport, Seaport operations, Cost modeling, Rail freight, Road haulage, Inland navigation, Supply chain management, Rotterdam, Duisburg, Transport efficiency, Containerization, Logistics costs, Transit time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis focuses on the hinterland distribution of containers from seaports, analyzing the transport modes involved and developing a cost model to compare their efficiency and financial impact.

What are the central themes discussed in the work?

Key themes include the structural characteristics of seaports, the definition of hinterland traffic, the operational challenges of different transport carriers, and the critical importance of cost management in logistics.

What is the main objective or research question?

The objective is to evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of different transport modes for hinterland carriage and to provide a cost-based recommendation for the carrier choice on the Rotterdam-Duisburg route.

Which scientific methodology is applied?

The work utilizes a sound literature review to build theoretical knowledge, which is then synthesized into a custom cost model applied to a real-world case study to evaluate cost factors for rail, truck, and barge.

What is covered in the main body of the thesis?

The main body covers the theoretical foundations of ports and hinterland supply chains, detailed profiles of transport modes, the definition of specific cost factors, and a practical application of these costs to the Rotterdam-Duisburg route.

Which keywords best characterize this research?

The research is best characterized by terms like hinterland transport, cost modeling, intermodal container logistics, and transport mode performance.

How do container handling costs differ between the three transport modes?

The analysis shows that barge transport incurs high transshipment costs due to the necessity of container bridges, while rail handling is more efficient, and truck transport offers simplicity by eliminating the need for further transshipment at an inland terminal.

What is the final recommendation regarding the choice of transport mode?

The thesis concludes that rail is the most cost-effective option for the Rotterdam-Duisburg route, though truck transport remains highly competitive for urgent goods due to its superior flexibility and speed.