A fully three-dimensional heuristic algorithm for container packing

Abstract

We present a new three-dimensional container-packing algorithm. The algorithm is truly three-dimensional, thus, overcoming the limitations of layering algorithms, especially when a large number of parcel types is used. The algorithm sequentially places parcels into the container using localised heuristic information, and makes use of a balanced tree to store potential packing positions. The result is an algorithm with time complexity O(knlogn) where k is the number of parcel types, and n the maximum number of parcels that can be placed. Test results, including a comparative test, are very favourable, and show that the algorithms performance actually increases as the number of parcel types is increased.This is a direct result of the three-dimenslonal algorithm facilitating the utilisation of all useful packing positions using the variety of parcel sizes available.