Storage Configurations at Car Terminals

The storage configuration at car terminals is the outcome of operational decisions. For example, a 5 by 4 block configuration implies that a maximum of one car needs to be moved to reach any car within this block. Different types of parking configurations can be combined at the same terminal, such as 5×4 blocks for longer-term storage and a fish-bone configuration for pre-sorting cars in view of loading operations onto trucks or rail wagons. Some terminals have opted for multi-deck car storage facilities to reduce their spatial footprint. These multi-deck facilities come at an additional cost and are mostly found in ports with land availability issues and high concession fees. The automotive customer might specifically request multi-deck storage for economic, safety, or environmental reasons.