Container Repositioning: The Landlocked Hinterland Perspective

In this paper, we challenge real business implications of published research outcomes that apply mathematical analysis of container movements processes for specific geographical regions or argument hypothetically based on a set of assumptions which appear impossible to accomplish in most real business scenarios. Furthermore, we question whether repositioning is considered as a problem of equipment movement optimization or as one of collaboration and research the parties involved in its management – especially in the case of the mostly landlocked hinterland in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Based on extensive and structured literature review of empty container repositioning research, we identify a lack of integration from a holistic point of view and related theoretical underpinnings such as economies of massed reserves and provide further empirical evidence about the present situation from an explorative field study in the Czech Republic. Inland repositioning approaches by shipping lines or other container owners as well as related research projects apparently ignore landlocked hinterland markets such as CEE, its container turnover and importance for the key European seaport gateways. Accordingly, quality of hinterland transport market data from/to CEE countries is truly questionable/limited. Moreover, similar research studies focused on markets close to seaports such as the Netherlands or Germany by cargo sector or company lack empirical support, too. All in all, we come to the conclusion that most research projects or practical approaches by the com-panies all over Europe so far neglect actual container volumes and their importance.