On Differential Rating for Containerized Cargo of Different Weight in Liner Service

Freight-all-kind system is widely employed in container liner service. Therefore, loading of too many containers stuffed with heavy goods at certain port(s) will probably impair the fully using of loading capacity of the carrying vessel at other(s) resulting in full but not complete loading. In this paper, according to the principles and forms of container liner rating and freight structure and calculation, the fact is proved that differential rating for containers of different weight can maximize lines´ profits. Relevant models with maximum profits as objects are constructed and operating data of a Chinese container line are analyzed as a real example, in which factors affecting differential rating tactics are also comprehensively considered through assumption of fuzzy factors. In the differential rating tactics explored in this paper, the feasibility of lines´ performance of such tactic and the degree of effect thereof on lines´ profits are clarified.