Simulation Model for the Formation of Distributive Routes in a Dynamic Urban Environment

Abstract

The share of small shipments in the total volume of cargo transportation has increased significantly. However, irrational routes are formed, customers’ requirements for timely delivery of goods are ignored, and vehicles of irrational carrying capacity are used on distribution routes, which significantly increases logistics costs and the cost of goods. The limitations and problems of existing solutions were analysed. Theoretic methods are not applicable to the Vehicle Routing Problem with more than 17 customers due to computational complexity. The heuristic methods that were examined focus on creating the shortest routes but do not consider customer priority, route restrictions, or potential service strategies. Therefore, a metaheuristic Genetic algorithm was chosen for route formation tasks. The research is aimed at developing a simulation model, which is based on the use of a genetic algorithm, to create optimal delivery routes for small shipments to customers within a city. The study includes modelling the route formation using a genetic algorithm for various types of cargo bicycles and trucks in a dynamic urban environment. As a result of simulation modelling, distribution routes were formed and operational parameters were optimized on cargo delivery routes in the city for various types of vehicles with different carrying capacities.