A multimodal network flow problem with product quality preservation, transshipment, and asset management

Abstract

In this paper, we present an optimization model for a transportation planning problem with multiple transportation modes, highly perishable products, demand and supply dynamics, and management of the reusable transport units (RTIs). Such a problem arises in the European horticultural chain, for example. As a result of geographic dispersion of production and market, a reliable transportation solutions ensures long-term success in the European market. The model is an extension to the network ow problem. We integrate dynamic allocation, ow, and repositioning of the RTIs in order to nd the trade-o between quality requirements and operational considerations and costs. We also present detailed computational results and analysis