Content area
Full Text
Abstract
In Physical Internet based hyperconnected logistics, parcels are dynamically consolidated in modular containers and routed through a multi-tier meshed network of logistics hubs. Of particular importance is the dynamic optimization of parcel loading in modular handling containers at a hub, encapsulated in transport containers. We use mathematical programming alongside analytical solutions and heuristics developed for several variants of the problem. Our models minimize induced costs and environmental impact, accounting for operational constraints to ensure timely departure and improve packing and handling efficiency. We rigorously account for each parcel's dimensions, expected arrival time, target departure time, and sequence of hubs to the final destination. We also account for the sizes and availability of handling containers and carriers. Leveraging our collaborative research with a major logistics service provider, we provide an empirical assessment of our approach. We finally offer conclusive remarks and avenues for further research.
Keywords
Physical internet, dynamic consolidation, container loading, hyperconnected logistics, mixed-integer linear program.
(ProQuest: ... denotes formulae omitted.)
1.Introduction
The Physical Internet has been suggested as a new paradigm for increasing economic, social, and environmental gains in efficiency and sustainability of fulfilling society's demand for physical objects [1,2]. It is suggested that goods be encapsulated into containers that have modular dimensions instead of generic dimensions for the purpose of standardization to ease logistics operations. They are standard, smart, and reusable modular containers that are uniquely identifiable, have a snap-interlock design and are eco-friendly [3]. The effort required to design containers is to decrease and, using fewer container sizes is to reduce the wastes associated with manufacturing [4]. They are to be robust, reliable, easy to load and unload, and able to combine with other containers and decompose into smaller containers as required, improving handling. It is proposed that they be divided into three tiers of packaging, handling, and transport containers [3]. Lower-tier containers are smaller than higher-tier containers and are designed to modularly fit inside them. In this paper, we focus on the efficient packing of parcels inside handling containers. Dimensions of these containers are usually less than eight feet, typically on the order of one to four feet.
Trucks are, on average, currently only 40 to 60 percent full when they depart, and they get emptier along the route....