Abstract: A method for assigning train blocks at a railroad merchandise yard includes determining, using a first optimization model and historical train block volume data, a first list of train block assignments for a plurality of train blocks and a plurality of classification tracks of a classification bowl. The method further includes displaying the first list of train block assignments generated by the first optimization model if the volume of the train blocks is not greater than the total available track length of the classification tracks. The method further includes determining and displaying, using a second optimization model and the historical train block volume data, a second list of train block assignments for the plurality of train blocks and the plurality of classification tracks of the classification bowl if the volume of the plurality of train blocks is greater than the total available track length of the plurality of classification tracks.

Abstract: A method for assigning train blocks at a railroad merchandise yard includes determining, using a first optimization model and historical train block volume data, a first list of train block assignments for a plurality of train blocks and a plurality of classification tracks of a classification bowl. The method further includes displaying the first list of train block assignments generated by the first optimization model if the volume of the train blocks is not greater than the total available track length of the classification tracks. The method further includes determining and displaying, using a second optimization model and the historical train block volume data, a second list of train block assignments for the plurality of train blocks and the plurality of classification tracks of the classification bowl if the volume of the plurality of train blocks is greater than the total available track length of the plurality of classification tracks.