Major
problem considered in this study was the intermodal routing problem of regional freight transportation in West Africa
ECOWAS (Economic Community Of West Africa States), which can be defined
as the problem of determining the freight flow quantity, the transportation
mode in each transit corridor while satisfying the freight demand at each West
Africa transit country (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger). The objective was to
minimize in land transportation costs. In order to solve optimally and
represent the problem, this research employed a linear programming model. The
model was solved using Lingo Mathematic Application. The model results showed
that port oriented freight logistics in west Africa ECOWAS region do not flow
along optimal path and such incur longer time and higher logistics cost than is
geographically necessary.
References
[1]
Acciaro, M., Bardi, A., Cusano, M.I., Ferrari, C. and Tei, A. (2017) Contested Port Hinterlands: An Empirical Survey on Adriatic Seaports. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 5, 342-350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2017.03.006
[2]
Meersman, H., Van De Voorde, E. and Vanelslander, T. (2009) Future Challenges for Port and Shipping Sector. Informa, London.
[3]
Tongzon, H. (2009) Port Choice and Freight Forwarders. Transport Research, 45, 186-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2008.02.004
[4]
Roso, V., Woxenius, J. and Lumsden, K. (2009) The Dry Port Concept: Connecting Container Seaport with the Hinterland. Journal of Transport Economy, 17, 338-345.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2008.10.008
[5]
La, M. and Gu, L. (2013) Port Hinterland Intermodal Container Flow Optimization with Green Concerns: A Literature Review And Research Agenda. International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 5, 257-281.
https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSTL.2013.054190
[6]
Rodrigue, K. and Notteboom, G. (2010) Comparative North American and European Gateway Logistics: The Regionalism of Freight Distribution. Journal of Transport, 18, 497-507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2010.03.006
[7]
Wang, C.X. (2008) Operation of Hub and Poke Two Stage Logistic Network in Regional Port Clusters. System Engineering-Theory & Practice, 28, 152-158.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1874-8651(09)60040-5
[8]
Gen, M. and Cheng, L. (2008) Network Models and Optimization, Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm Approach. Spring Verlag, Berlin.
[9]
Goetschalckx, F., et al. (2005) A Stochastic Programming Approach for Supply Chain Network Design under Uncertainty. European Journal of Operational Research, 167, 96-115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2004.01.046
[10]
Ahuja, M. and Orlin, D. (1993) Network Flows, Theory, Algorithms and Application.
[11]
Winston, M. (2003) Operation Research Application and Algorithm. 4th Edition, Cengage Learning, New York.
[12]
Yildirimi, M.B. (2008) Network Optimization. In: Ravindran, R.A., Ed., Operation Research and Management Science Handbook, Taylor & Francis Group, London.
[13]
Crainic, D. (2007) Intermodal Transport. Handbooks in Operation Research and Management Science, 14, 467-537. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0927-0507(06)14008-6
[14]
Sciomachen, A. and Liu, M. (2009) Operation Research Methods in Maritime Transport and Freight Logistics. Maritime Economic and Logistics, 11, 1-6.
https://doi.org/10.1057/mel.2008.18
[15]
Wilson, W. and Benson, S. (2010) Analysis of Container Flows, Word Trade, US Waterborne and Commerce and Rail Shipment in North America Markets. Report North Dakota State.
[16]
Leung, W. and Lai, E. (2002) An Optimization Model for Cross-Border Logistic Problem Case in Hong Kong. Computer and Industrial Engineering, 43, 393-405.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0360-8352(02)00081-5
[17]
Ubogu, A. and Mamman, G. (2011) Port Hinterland Trucking Constrains in Nigeria. Journal of Transport Geography, 19, 106-114.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2009.09.001
[18]
Goetschalckx, F., et al. (2002) Modeling and Design of Global Logistics Systems: A Review of Integrated Strategic and Tactical Models and Design Algorithms. European Journal of Operational Research, 143, 1-18.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(02)00142-X
[19]
Daskin, M. (2001) Capacitated Facility Location Network Design Problem. European Journal of Operational Research, 129, 481-495.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(99)00464-6
