Table 1

Comparison of types of container truck transportation operations

Container transfer operations within the port area (quayside operation)Interport transshipment container operations (transshipment)Import and export full container cargo transportation operations (container yard, CY/full container load, FCL)
Entrusted customers
  • Shipping company

  • Shipping agency

  • Shipping company

  • Shipping agency

Import and export cargo owner
Shipping company
Ocean freight forwarder
Customs broker
Number of clientsFew and fixedFew and fixedMany and more complicated
Transportation distanceMainly short distanceMainly long distanceAvailable for both long and short distances
Generally less than 30 kmGenerally higher than 200 km
Freight calculationOne-wayOne-wayround trip (Import: heavy container outbound, empty container return
Round trip/Export: outbound for empty containers, return for heavy containers)
Loading and unloading methodShore ship handling containerContainer yard handling containerContainer yard handling container
Container yard handling containerLoading and unloading goods in the container
Vehicle dispatch featuresWhen the fleet performs shipside operations, it must be on shore standby during the ship's loading period for hanging containersIf you want to maximize profits, you must actively coordinate return transportation (return truck)It is necessary to dynamically issue dispatching instructions according to the location of the vehicle in real time
Possible alternative/competitive shipping methods
  • Automated guided vehicle

  • Crane handling

  • Shipping

  • Rail transportation

  • Container freight station (CFS/LCL) operation and bulk truck transportation

  • Bulk carriers combined with bulk trucks for transportation

  • Rail transportation

Source(s): Tian (2015) 

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