The study on empty containers allocation in the container transportation

This article makes a systematical description to the process of empty containers allocation, explains the subjective and objective reason which causes the empty container allocation, the characteristic of empty container allocation and the question which exists in the practice and the actual operation of container transportation, analyzes the goal and the major effect factors of empty containers allocation. Then considering the kinds of factors which affect the allocation of empty containers, the article establishes a liner programming model which not only accord with the characteristics of empty container allocation, but also very easy to apply to shipping practice, and carry on a calculation and analysis to the liner programming model. Finally, in view of the reasons which cause allocation of empty container, put forwards several countermeasures to reduce the cost of empty container allocation.