Model for Optimizing Investments in the Vehicle in the LTL Sector

Abstract

The development of new logistics technologies for the transportation of packaged goods is associated with the appearance of large transport and logistics companies on the market. Such companies operate in different geographical markets and use different rolling stock. The article considers the problem of investments in vehicles with a given structure of served cargo flows. Investment projects in network logistics companies are characterized by many options for promising technology for using various vehicles. The main goal when choosing a solution is to optimize investments in the face of restrictions on material and financial resources, productivity, commercial and technological suitability of rolling stock. An optimization model of choosing the structure of investments in the transport park under various conditions and freight flows is presented. The model is a graph, along the arcs of which is a bankroll. Each unit of cash flow corresponds to two parameters - the freight carried and the income received. An original interpretation of the indicated parameters is given in order to formalize the technological parameters of transport in the functionality and limitations. The model can set transportation plans for regions and modes of transport, as well as restrictions on cash flows, technical and commercial suitability of rolling stock. The criterion is the maximum income when fulfilling the restrictions. The model is implemented for three regional divisions of a logistics company and three types of relatively interchangeable types of transport units - covered wagons, containers and cars. The results are presented.