Investigation of empty container shortage based on SWARA-ARAS methods in the COVID-19 era

Abstract A shortage of empty containers has become a global crisis with more devastating effects than during previous periods when combined various problems arising from the COVID-19, such as an increase in imbalance trade between supply and demand, decrease workforce, restrictions by countries or regional quarantine practices. The absence regions where they are needed slows down industrial activities locks networks, necessitating use alternative methods that inefficient. Although this causes many disruptions trade, solutions to issue have not been studied detail. Therefore, aim study was determine issues caused rank appropriate solutions. Four main criteria sixteen subcategories used define issues, well multi decision model comprising five for solutions, were proposed based on information literature, sectorial publications, expert opinions. issues’ weighted order importance our calculated using SWARA (Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) method; ranked ARAS (Additive Assessment) method. results revealed cost increases, uncertainty chain, volume loss, increases blank sailing announcements. Appropriate booking guarantee applications communication technologies, shipper-owned containers, inducement calls, E2E (end end) delivery services.