Simulation of a Physical Internet — Based transportation network

This article presents a freight transportation model based on the Physical Internet (PI). As suggested by the PI general principles, this model is based on the distribution of road transportation services. Based on this idea, instead of hauling trailers from origin to destination using a single tractor, freight is hauled from hub-to-hub, using different tractors allocated to one specific hub. This model also considers the possibility to consolidate two trailers into a road train. The impact on drivers´ working conditions is significant, as they offer their service within a limited area. This model also offers the ability to adjust transportation flows according to hubs´ waiting time to process trailers. This model was implemented into a simulation platform using NetLogo, and tested in various conditions of demand and design configurations. Results are analyzed, and research directions are introduced.