Using discrete-event simulation to explore the impact of user behaviours on the effectiveness of a terminal appointment system

This paper analyses driver behaviours through a discreteevent simulation model of a bulk cargo marine terminal.Specifically, punctuality and the proportion of appointedarrivals are examined for their impacts on truck flows andturnaround times at the terminal. Using empirical data froman Australian wood chip export marine terminal thesimulation provides useful insights into the terminal’scontemporary experience with respect to truck congestion.The simulation results indicate that the proportion ofappointed arrivals, used as a proxy for the appointmentsystem use, can improve truck turnaround times primarily inthe earlier stages of adoption. Greater truck arrivalpunctuality can also improve the effectiveness of theappointment system particularly as the system’s adoptionincreases. Shifting the focus from enforcing punctualitytowards ensuring use of the system, primarily in the earlystages of system adoption, appears to deliver greater benefitsfor both terminal operators and transporters. Based on thiswork the terminal operator is now moving rapidly to procureand implement an electronic appointment system as part ofits initiatives to mitigate truck congestion at the terminal.