An integrated vehicle routing model to optimize agricultural products distribution in retail chains

• DOI: 10.1016/j.clscn.2023.100137
• Publication Date: 2024-01-04T19:03:15Z
• Authors: W. Madushan Fernando; Amila Thibbotuwawa; H. Niles Perera; Peter Nielsen; Deniz Kenan Kilic
• Keywords: Vehicle Routing Problem; Carbon Footprint; Benchmark (surveying)

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) represents a thoroughly investigated domain within operations research, yielding substantial cost savings in global transportation. fundamental objective of the VRP is to determine optimal route plan that minimizes overall distance traveled. This study employs address challenge distributing fresh agricultural products retail chains. It introduces an integrated bi-objective model concurrently optimizes resource allocation, order scheduling, and planning. proposed incorporates two functions with goals minimizing total distribution costs ensuring timely product deliveries outlets. Real-world characteristics are enhance practical applicability. All solution algorithms developed undergo testing using data from one Sri Lanka's largest Numerical experiments showcase efficiency algorithm solving real-world problems. Moreover, achieves 19% reduction daily costs, including 24% saving fuel costs. not only provides financial benefits but also contributes carbon footprint ensures on-time 95% outlets, which crucial for maintaining quality food. findings this underscore significant savings, enhanced sustainability, improved associated efficient