A DSS for empty container distribution planning

A decision support system to solve a large-scale planning problem concerning the multiperiod distribution of empty containers for a shipping company is presented. The system proposed uses network optimization models. Besides optimizing on container positioning across ports, the system is also able to recommend cost-effective container leasing-in and off-leasing decisions. Furthermore, the system incorporates constraint relaxation techniques that minimize perturbations to the existing planning decisions in response to ad-hoc changes in demands and supplies of empty containers.