The storage configuration at car terminals is the outcome of operational decisions with different types of parking configurations that can be combined.
- Fishbone configuration. Used for pre-sorting cars in view of loading operations onto trucks or rail wagons.
- 5×4 block configuration. Implies that a maximum of one car needs to be moved to reach any car within this block. They are used for longer-term storage.
- Diagonal configuration. High-density storage used for the sequential batch processing of 5 to 12 vehicles for specific orders and customization.
- Multi-deck car storage. Facilities designed to reduce the spatial footprint. They 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.