The Integrated Optimization of Quay Crane-Yard Truck Scheduling in the Container Terminal with Uncertain Factors

The key to improve the container terminal efficiency is the integrated optimization of the quay crane (QC) and the yard truck (YT) scheduling, which is normally settled separately and considered in a certain condition in classical literatures. To improve the operation efficiency and simulate the practical operation, a PSO-based integrated QC-YT scheduling optimization model with uncertain factors is established in this research, considering two uncertain factors of YT travel speed and unit time of QC loading/discharging operation that affect the operating efficiency of the terminal greatly. The goal is the minimal operated time of QCs with the coordination of YTs. To solve this difficult combinatorial problem, the PSO algorithm is developed. PSO is evaluated for combinatorial problems with uncertain factors, which represents a new application of PSO. Numerical experiments show that the model of this research gives systemic simulation for the scheduling process with uncertain factors. And the results are better than model without uncertainties in terms of the accuracy and stability.