A supply chain-transport supernetwork equilibrium model with the behaviour of freight carriers

This paper presents a supernetwork equilibrium model integrating supply chain networks with a transport network, namely, a supply chain-transport supernetwork equilibrium model. The model takes into account the behaviour of freight carriers and transport network users to endogenously determine the transport costs generated in the supply chain networks. The interaction between transport network and supply chain networks can also be examined. Results of the numerical tests reveal that the improvement of transport network could enhance the efficiency of supply chain networks. The paper makes contributions to modelling of supply chain networks as well as to that of transport networks.

► Supply chain-transport supernetwork equilibrium (SC-T-SNE) is modelled.
► The SC-T-SNE model incorporates the behaviour of six agents on the supernetwork.
► Interaction between supply chain networks and transport network is identified.
► Transport network improvement enhances the efficiency of supply chain networks.
► New road establishment alters distribution channel on supply chain networks.