A MILP model and memetic algorithm for the Hub Location and Routing problem with distinct collection and delivery tours

Abstract

In this paper, we study the capacitated single allocation Hub Location-Routing Problem (CSAHLRP) with independent collection and delivery processes. We focus on the design of less-than-truck load (LTL) transport networks for the transport of goods between many shippers and their clients using flow concentration hubs. We seek to integrate the hub location and vehicle routing strategies such that the location of the hubs, the allocation of supplier/client nodes to hubs, the design of routes between nodes allocated to the same hub, as well as the inter-hub freight transportations, can be determined efficiently. We propose a mixed integer linear programming model for the problem with the aim of minimizing the total fixed and variable costs. Computational experiments based on the Australian Post (AP) data set geographical network are conducted with the CPLEX solver. Furthermore, we propose a memetic algorithm (MA) to solve large problems. Computational results show that the exact method can find optimal solutions for small instances and good feasible solutions for some medium-sized tests. In addition to also solving small problems to optimality, the MA succeeds in finding high quality solutions for medium and large CSAHLRPs efficiently.