Applied Particle Swarm Optimization in Solving Container Loading Problem for Logistics

Abstract

Container loading problem (CLP) is a major problem for logistics in distributing cargoes to customers. As cost and time savings are important in shipping management, the process of cargo handling is essential. Cargoes must be effectively packed into a container. This paper, therefore, proposes container loading problem solving using a strategy for positioning non placement heuristics to reduce space between different buildings. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to select the orientation of boxes to be packed into a single container to minimize the space which simulated in 3D. The condition for this solution is packing must be placed within the container with no part of the box overhanging the container, and the boxes must be placed parallel to the container surface area or other boxes. Weight and orientation of the box condition are also considered. The experiments are 12 cases. Different sizes of boxes and different sizes of containers are used. The experimental results are satisfied and it can be concluded that varied sizes of boxes are applicable for the space utilization in the container.