Structural optimization of multimodal routes for cargo delivery

Abstract

This article is devoted to the coordination of single stages of the multimodal delivery process, taking into account the fact that the process is discrete in its content. The tact, which has the content of a time window for performing the operation is used for discrete processes. Due to the fact that multimodal transportation of goods is carried out on a large network, time is one of the most important criteria for their perfection. Two timing criteria are applied in the article, which take into account the fact that the multimodal process must be synchronized and that the transportation of a large group of goods can be carried out in separate parts. An estimation criterion was also applied, which takes into account constant, variable, contingent costs, which are carried out depending on the structure of the process. The goal of the study is to create such multimodal cargo delivery routes that are characterized by the highest level of selec-tion criteria. In contrast to known studies, the dependence of the optimization criteria of the multimodal process on the total volume of cargo delivery was shown. The method of analyzing the transport scheme of multimodal transportation and the corresponding algorithm and computer program were developed. The methodology involves a complete review of all possible route options using three types of continent transport, namely road, rail, and river. The method of struc-tural optimization is applied to the example of a transcontinental transport corridor.