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Optimizing Route Efficiency In Dry Bulk Logistics: Reducing Empty Kilometers

Nijhof, Esmee (2025) Optimizing Route Efficiency In Dry Bulk Logistics: Reducing Empty Kilometers.

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Abstract:This thesis concerns the optimization of route efficiency of transport company Nijhof Wassink, specifically within the Dry Bulk Logistics department. The primary focus is the minimization of empty kilometers. Secondary priorities include total travel distance, vehicle usage and time window penalties. To formally and mathematically introduce the problem tailored to this business context, a new VRP variant is formulated. This is the multi-depot pick-up and delivery problem with time windows and transfers, also referred to as MD-PDPTW-T. To optimize large scale routing problems, an Adaptive Large Neighbourhood Search (ALNS) is designed, consisting of a constructive heuristic and an improvement heuristic using destroy and repair operators. The results of the ALNS algorithm are compared to the planning based on historical data and the initial solution obtained with the construction heuristic. Results show that the ALNS outperforms the initial solution by 26% and historical planning by 10%. Practical contributions include establishing a foundation for a transition to automated planning tools and encouraging a shift toward optimizing vehicle utilization rather than empty kilometers.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
Nijhof Wassink, Rijssen, Netherlands
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:30 exact sciences in general, 31 mathematics, 55 traffic technology, transport technology, 58 process technology
Programme:Industrial Engineering and Management MSc (60029)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106484
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