This paper deals with the development of the generalized model to assist the empty container repositioning and leasing problems for liner shipping companies. For this, the existing models have been reviewed. And then a mathematical model has been proposed to handle the specific characteristics of the empty container management; the dynamic characteristics, the multi echelon of the transportation and distribution systems, and the substitutions among various container types. In particular, this paper puts an emphasis on the modeling framework for considering substitutions among various container types.