Sustainable Logistics Network Optimization From Dry Ports to Seaport: A Case Study From Pakistan

Abstract

Several considerations are explored in each mode of transportation for the safe, quick, and environmentally friendly movement of goods. To obtain the advantages in all transportation modes, it is critical to develop appropriate models and algorithms. By expanding our understanding of the planning of bi-objective optimization problems, this study contributes to the field of real-time green logistics analysis. The paper provides case studies based on road and road-rail transportation from dry ports to a seaport in Pakistan. Analysis of the cases shapes the economic and environmental planning of transport. Because there is little research on this topic in Pakistan, the innovative aspect is to reduce the cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of road and intermodal freight transportation between dry ports and seaport. A mixed-integer linear programming model is used for the formulation of the bi-objective problem. Pareto front solutions are provided to trade-off the cost and GHG emissions in delivering goods from dry ports to seaport in Pakistan. The study uses real-life data from one of the largest logistics service providers in Pakistan. Results show that intermodal transportation is 82.6% more economical and 78% greener compared with road freight transportation. Further, this study could be extended by including other factors such as noise, air pollution, and traffic accidents.