Title: Planning the fuel distribution in urban centres using multi-compartment trucks under restrictions on the delivery period and the model of the truck

Authors: João Henrique Brunow Barbosa; Jéssica Salomão Lourenção; Rodrigo de Alvarenga Rosa

Addresses: Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória – ES, CEP 29075-910, Brazil ' Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória – ES, CEP 29075-910, Brazil ' Federal University of Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória – ES, CEP 29075-910, Brazil

Abstract: Distribution companies need to improve their distribution strategies to meet the increasing fuel stations demand, respecting restrictions on the delivery period and on the truck's model, both defined by fuel stations and/or local authorities. Currently, these companies plan one trip per truck and divide the whole distribution region in several small regions, on the other hand, our paper proposes to plan several trips per truck and consider one global distribution region. We propose a mathematical model and an algorithm integrating in the fuel replenishment problem characteristics as: multi-compartment, multi-trip, site dependent, time windows and heterogeneous fleet. Tests were done using data from a Brazilian fuel distribution company. Results showed that planning considering a global distribution region brought financial gains for the company. The access constraint highly impacted the transport costs.

Keywords: fuel replenishment problem; FRP; city logistics; urban logistics; vehicle routing problem; fuel distribution company; truck transport; management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2024.135891

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2024 Vol.47 No.1, pp.51 - 81

Received: 22 Dec 2021
Accepted: 02 May 2022
Published online: 09 Jan 2024 *

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