A mathematical model for collecting and distributing perishable products by considering costs minimisation and CO₂ emissions
by Rafael Tordecilla-Madera; Andrés Polo Roa; John Willmer Escobar; Nicolas Clavijo Buriticá
International Journal of Services and Operations Management (IJSOM), Vol. 31, No. 2, 2018

Abstract: This paper considers the problem of allocating vehicles to collect and distribute fruit to producer associations in Colombia. In particular, the problem seeks to determine the optimal allocation of vehicles for fruit collection minimising both total transportation costs and CO₂ emissions. This problem has multiple objectives, and the well-known ε-constraint method has been used as solution technique for the proposed mathematical models. The efficiency of the former methodology has been tested by using a case study involving the distribution of blackberry (Rubus glaucus) by an association of producers in Cundinamarca Department, Colombia. In particular, we considered 12 different scenarios related to supply levels, route outsourcing, and collection frequency. The results show the efficiency of the proposed methodology in solving vehicle allocation problems related to collection and distribution. The case study reveals that, in general, collecting fruit three days/week yields lower costs and fewer emissions than performing collections four days/week. Furthermore, increased supply leads to greater differences between costs and emissions.

Online publication date: Sat, 15-Sep-2018

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Services and Operations Management (IJSOM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com