A fuzzy milp-model for the optimization of vehicle routing problem

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Björk, Kaj-Mikael^; | Mezei, József

Affiliations: Åbo Akademi University, IAMSR, Finland | Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Note: [] Corresponding author. Kaj-Mikael Björk. E-mails: kaj-mikael.bjork@abo.fi; jmezei@abo.fi (J. Mezei).

Abstract: In this article, a novel model for the solution of a fuzzy vehicle routing problem is presented. The model originates from a crisp MILP (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) model previously presented on a conference. This work is motivated by a business context of timber transportation. Within this context, uncertainties arise from the fact that the distances and times between pickup points are inherently fuzzy. The decisions to be made are routing decisions, truck assignment and the determination of the pickup order for a set of loads and available trucks. The paper also presents briefly how the model is implemented in the Microsoft Excel environment, utilizing the LP-solve freeware as the optimization engine. The model is also illustrated with a numerical example. To the authors knowledge, there are no previously reported vehicle routing MILP models, where the times and distances are allowed to be fuzzy numbers.

Keywords: Vehicle routing, fuzzy numbers, MILP, Timber pickup

DOI: 10.3233/IFS-130821

Journal: Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 1349-1361, 2014