An Approach for Solving Vehicle Routing Problem with Link Cost Variability in the Time

In this paper a method for goods distribution optimization in urban areas is reported considering the time-dependent networks. Goods distribution optimization refers to the best tour optimization for each fright vehicle. A first step in the route design is the definition of the best path from the actual client to all others client. The traffic conditions change during the day; hence the link cost is a variable that depends on the time. The path topology and the path cost are also time-dependent and the path search must be generalized considering the time variability. In the paper a model, a solution procedure and a test in a small system are reported.