Empirical Analysis of the Containers Dwell Time in Container Ports Using Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Methods

The present study has been performed at three stages aiming at identifying and prioritizing Executive strategies to decrease the Goods and Containers dwell time in the Iranian seaports. Firstly, factors involving in the Goods and Containers dwell time were dealt with in a review of the literature. Secondly, Executive strategies to decrease the Goods and Containers dwell time were formalized employing Delphi method. Thirdly, the strategies, formalized at the second stage, were prioritized by use of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and MAPPAC in terms of the practicability, implementation costs, time needed, and the efficacy in reducing Goods and Containers dwell time. The eventual results of the MAPPAC method indicate the priority of these strategies as following: using electronic systems, reducing the paperwork and parallel processes in cargo clearance, employing road and rail intermodal transport, round-the-clock customs operation, enhancing coordination and collaboration among organizations involved in the issuance of cargo clearance.