A fuzzy-stochastic optimization model for the intermodal fleet management problem of an international transportation company

ABSTRACT

In this paper, a fuzzy-stochastic optimization model is developed for an intermodal fleet management system of a large international transportation company. The proposed model integrates various strategic, tactical and operational level decisions simultaneously. Since real-life fleet planning problems may involve different types of uncertainty jointly such as randomness and fuzziness, a hybrid chance-constrained programming and fuzzy interactive resolution-based approach is employed. Therefore, stochastic import/export freight demand and fuzzy transit times, truck/trailer availabilities, the transport capacity of Ro-Ro vessels, bounds on block train services, etc. can also be taken into account concurrently. In addition to minimize overall transportation costs, optimization of total transit times and CO₂ emission values are also incorporated in order to provide sustainable fleet plans by maximizing customer satisfaction and environmental considerations. Computational results show that effective and efficient fleet plans can be produced by making use of the proposed optimization model.

KEYWORDS:

• Fleet planning
• fleet sizing and composition
• intermodal transportation
• empty vehicle repositioning
• fuzzy-stochastic programming
• case study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research is supported by the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Industry and Technology under the scope of the SAN-TEZ Project No: 0617.STZ.2014.