Preventative maintenance of straddle carriers

Abstract

Background: Robotic vehicles such as straddle carriers represent a popular form of cargo handling amongst container terminal operators.

Objectives: The purpose of this industry-driven study is to model preventative maintenance (PM) influences on the operational effectiveness of straddle carriers.

Method: The study employs historical data consisting of 21 273 work orders covering a 27-month period. Two models are developed, both of which forecast influences of PM regimes for different types of carrier.

Results: The findings of the study suggest that the reliability of the straddle fleet decreases with increased intervals of PM services. The study also finds that three factors – namely resources, number of new straddles, and the number of new lifting work centres – influence the performances of straddles.

Conclusion: The authors argue that this collaborative research exercise makes a significant contribution to existing supply chain management literature, particularly in the area of operations efficiency. The study also serves as an avenue to enhance relevant management practice.