Optimal delivery cycles for joint distribution of multi-temperature food

- We model the operation planning for joint multi-temperature food distribution.
- We consider dynamic demands and various temperature control techniques.
- Optimal delivery cycles for different temperature range foods are determined.
- The results show how to effectively dispatch fleet and food for each cycle.
- Joint delivery enhances service level and reduces operation costs for carrier.

The need for fresh, refrigerated, and frozen food has been continuously growing due to high demand for healthy and convenient diets in urban fast-paced daily living. Correspondingly, the market for low temperature logistics is expanding due to demand for low-temperature food, and the process of delivering food requiring storage and shipping in containers with different temperature ranges has become an important issue for carriers. This study analyzes optimal delivery cycles for jointly delivering multi-temperature food using Traditional Multi-Vehicle Distribution and Multi-Temperature Joint Distribution systems. We formulate mathematical models for the systems considering a variety of time-dependent demands and time-windows for delivering different temperature range foods to various customers. The models provide effective tools that determine delivery cycles and dispatching lists for carriers. The results show both carriers and shippers benefit from jointly delivering different temperature range foods using a single vehicle to ensure the freshness of the food.