An e-logistics system for sea-freight forwarding

Abstract

This paper presents an e-logistics system for sea freight forwarding. The system was designed to suit a wide range of users including shippers, shipping lines, overseas agents, and forwarding operators. The entire system supports three main functions: e-booking, container selection and cargo allocation, and XML-based information exchange. The e-booking system provides a general platform for shippers and forwarders to interact and to exchange information. It is also able to help shippers to make shipment bookings and to find a shipping route that minimises shipping costs and shipping time. It also facilitates freight forwarders in exchanging their shipping orders via the Internet, thus increasing the efficiency and transparency of the market. To solve the container selection and cargo allocation problem, a heuristic-based solution for cargo to container allocation is incorporated in the system. The heuristic helps reduce shipping cost and shipping time through better cargo consolidation and better utilization of container space. To facilitate data entry and data exchange, an XML standard format is used throughout the web-based information system.