Transport Logistics Research Articles

Multi-objective Optimization-Based Algorithm for Selecting the Optimal Path of Rural Multi-temperature Zone Cold Chain Dynamic Logistics Intermodal Transportation

The road network in rural areas is complex and the infrastructure is relatively backward. The multi-temperature zone cold chain logistics involves agricultural products with different temperature requirements, which requires considering the transportation cost, carbon emission cost, refrigeration cost, and time cost of different temperature zones during path planning, thereby increasing the difficulty of path planning. Therefore, a multi-objective optimization-based algorithm for selecting the optimal path of rural multi-temperature zone cold chain dynamic logistics intermodal transportation is proposed. Based on the analysis of the multi-temperature cold chain collection and distribution model based on multimodal transportation, a multi-objective optimization model is constructed. This model aims to minimize transportation costs, carbon emission costs, refrigeration costs, time costs, and maximize logistics quality, while satisfying constraints such as transfer schedule times, the number of transport mode conversions, transport mode selection, and time continuity. To solve this model, an improved NSGA-II algorithm is adopted, which combines an improved mutation operator, congestion distance calculation, and the C-W saving algorithm to achieve the optimal transport path solution. Additionally, ArcGIS software is used to implement the shortest path planning based on real road networks. The experimental results show that by selecting the road-rail combined transport mode and adopting the D1–D6–D10 transport path, it is possible to transport fresh agricultural products from location A to the distribution center at location B, with the lowest Pareto fitness value. Furthermore, the algorithm's effectiveness is further verified by completing the end-of-life fresh agricultural product distribution task with four multi-temperature refrigerated vehicles. The study also finds that extending or shortening the latest service time window for customers, although it leads to a decrease or increase in the optimal value of the algorithm's objective function, has little impact on the average distribution time and transport vehicles. These findings provide new theoretical and practical guidance for the path selection of multimodal transportation in multi-temperature cold chain logistics, with significant theoretical and application value.

The Multi-Objective Shortest Path Problem with Multimodal Transportation for Emergency Logistics

The optimization of emergency logistical transportation is crucial for the timely dispatch of aid and support to affected areas. By incorporating practical constraints into emergency logistics, this study establishes a multi-objective shortest path mixed-integer programming model based on a multimodal transportation network. To solve multi-objective shortest path problems with multimodal transportation, we design an ideal point method and propose a procedure for constructing the complete Pareto frontier based on the k-shortest path multi-objective algorithm. We use modified Dijkstra and Floyd multimodal transportation shortest path algorithms to build a k-shortest path multi-objective algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed multimodal transportation shortest path algorithm is verified using empirical experiments carried out on test sets of different scales and a comparison of the runtime using a commercial solver. The results show that the modified Dijkstra algorithm has a runtime that is 100 times faster on average than the modified Floyd algorithm, which highlights its greater applicability in large-scale multimodal transportation networks, demonstrating that the proposed method both has practical significance and can generate satisfactory solutions to the multi-objective shortest path problem with multimodal transportation in the context of emergency logistics.

Revolution in Renewables: Integration of Green Hydrogen for a Sustainable Future

In recent years, global efforts towards a future with sustainable energy have intensified the development of renewable energy sources (RESs) such as offshore wind, solar photovoltaics (PVs), hydro, and geothermal. Concurrently, green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using these RESs, has been recognized as a promising solution to decarbonizing traditionally hard-to-abate sectors. Furthermore, hydrogen storage provides a long-duration energy storage approach to managing the intermittency of RESs, which ensures a reliable and stable electricity supply and supports electric grid operations with ancillary services like frequency and voltage regulation. Despite significant progress, the hydrogen economy remains nascent, with ongoing developments and persistent uncertainties in economic, technological, and regulatory aspects. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the green hydrogen value chain, encompassing production, transportation logistics, storage methodologies, and end-use applications, while identifying key research gaps. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of green hydrogen into both grid-connected and islanded systems, with a focus on operational strategies to enhance grid resilience and efficiency over both the long and short terms. Moreover, this paper draws on global case studies from pioneering green hydrogen projects to inform strategies that can accelerate the adoption and large-scale deployment of green hydrogen technologies across diverse sectors and geographies.

Literature Review on Fresh Products Cold Chain Logistics and Distribution Issues

In this paper, the literature on the concepts of fresh product cold chain logistics, the container operation problems related to cold chain transport, product order picking, distribution and the integration of the two problems are sorted out to provide theoretical references for the further study of the transport and distribution problems of fresh product cold chain logistics. Through combing the literature at home and abroad, the current fresh product cold chain logistics transport and distribution mainly exists in the container intermodal transport research object is single, mostly focusing on the railway container centre station; order distribution problems related research is less, vehicle path problem solving algorithms and related mathematical models are less; order picking and distribution of the joint research is less, and most of them stay in the theoretical stage, the method of landing is more difficult and other problems.

Research on Location Optimization of Logistics Center Based on Center of Gravity Method: A Case Study of Jilin Province

With the rapid development of the global economy, logistics plays an increasingly important role in modern society. As the core node of the logistics system, logistics center is responsible for the distribution, transfer and distribution of goods. The scientific and rational location of the logistics center will directly affect the efficiency and cost of logistics transportation. In this paper, Jilin Province, a key agricultural producing area in China, is selected as the research object. By collecting certain historical data information, regression analysis method and moving average method are used to predict the grain output of each city, and the average value of the predicted values obtained by the two methods is used as the final forecast value. The initial site selection of grain logistics center in Jilin Province is calculated by using the center of gravity, and the new site selection after iteration is obtained by using the center of gravity. Finally, the location of the final grain logistics center is determined by considering the factors such as geographical location, traffic accessibility and usable area around. This study can provide some reference value for the optimization of logistics center location.

Investigating Rural Logistics and Transportation through the Lens of Quadruple Bottom Line Sustainability

Background: An alternative to unsustainable urban developments, rural living is on the rise, but it already has its challenges. To that end, rural logistics and transportation (RLT) calls for a comprehensive analysis of its context, especially in a climate-changed and socially turbulent world. Unlike urban logistics, there is limited focus on RLT in academic literature. However, rural areas’ lack of transportation and limited logistics operations negatively affect rural residents’ daily lives, especially socially disadvantaged groups such as older people, children, women, and low-income households. Methods: This study first identifies the key literature on RLT and sustainability using a systematic literature review. Then, it synthesizes from the extant literature the challenges in RLT and proposed solutions to understand how to improve accessibility and address some barriers to implementation, all through the perspective of quadruple bottom line (QBL) sustainability pillars. Results: The lack of opportunities presented to rural residents due to limited RLT leads to inequality between rural and urban populations, requiring academic attention. Moreover, despite the growing emphasis on sustainability in academic literature, there is a noticeable lack of attention to sustainability in RLT. Conclusions: This study leads policymakers toward a better understanding of rural communities’ complexities, directs practitioners to adopt the QBL perspective in decision-making, and aims to stipulate innovative RLT topics for further research for academicians.

Sustainable Transportation Solutions for Intelligent Mobility: A Focus on Renewable Energy and Technological Advancements for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Flying Cars

(1) Introduction: Transportation logistics play a pivotal role in facilitating both individual mobility and supply chain operations on a global scale. However, conventional transportation systems have contributed significantly to urban congestion and environmental degradation. In response to these challenges, there is growing momentum to investigate the potential of renewable energy to power electric vehicles (EVs) and flying automobiles, aiming to reduce fossil fuel dependence and carbon emissions. (2) Objectives: By analyzing key drivers and opportunities for integrating flying vehicles into existing infrastructure through dynamic modeling, this study seeks to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation. (3) Methodology: A mixed-method approach, combining literature review and causal loop diagram analysis, is employed to understand the factors influencing EV and flying car adoption. (4) Results: Findings highlight the significant potential of renewable energy in reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels through widespread EV and flying vehicle adoption. The major drivers and challenges in infrastructure, safety, and airspace management are also identified. In addition, this research emphasizes the importance of sustainable transportation in addressing urban congestion, pollution, and energy security. (5) Conclusions: By leveraging renewable energy and embracing technological advancements, a low-carbon future for transportation can be achieved, benefiting both the environment and society.

Electrochemical Reclamation of Lithium-Ion Battery Materials Using SPOT Recycling

Establishing clean, low-cost methods for recycling lithium-ion batteries is essential for securing a sustainable supply chain for our green energy future. Cool Amps has developed a proprietary electrochemical process for lithium-ion battery recycling that avoids costly and environmentally unsound processing steps such as shredding and pyrometallurgy. Cool Amps uses our prototype laminar flow extraction modules to harvest valuable materials from production scrap or end-of-life batteries with a variety of form factors (cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic cells). The small footprint of our extraction modules allows us to be co-located at gigafactories or end-of-life collection facilities for SPOT recycling, negating the need for complex shipping and transportation logistics and significantly reducing recycling costs. In lab-scale demonstrations, our process recovers >85% of the valuable transition metals harvested from cathode materials and leaves the anode graphite intact and ready for re-use. These materials are characterized by elemental analysis, powder x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. We will demonstrate that the reclaimed components are viable components for manufacturing recycled lithium-ion batteries, enabling a secure and circular supply chain for America’s green energy future.

Challenges in Accounting for Carbon: Analysis of Accounting Policies of the World's Largest Polluters

The study's focus was on examining the accounting policies related to carbon credits of the top 100 global GHG emitters, as mentioned by Kouloukoui et al. (2019). Of these 100, only 36 gave access to the CDP questionnaire. We used the model proposed by Lovell et al. (2010) to examine carbon credit accounting choices, employing content analysis with NVivo software and statistical analysis with Stata. The financial statements (FS) and explanatory notes of 247 companies from different countries and sectors, such as oil and gas, mining, coal, transport and marine logistics, and the chemical sector, were analyzed from 2015 to 2021. Finally, nine companies provided information on the accounting treatment for carbon credits. The results indicate a predominance of classification as inventories, followed by intangible assets, measurement at cost, and liabilities accounted for by the excess carbon credits owed about existing assets at market value. We observed significant heterogeneity in accounting policies, which remained over time. The lack of standardization and consistency in reporting methods and the concealment of accounting records in this context make it challenging to compare practices, compromising the evaluation of companies' performance, the decision-making of investors and other agents, and the transparency and accountability of this market. These findings highlight the need for a more coherent and rigorous approach to accounting for carbon credits, especially considering the urgent challenges of climate change.

Operational Planning and Design Considerations for Underground Logistics Transportation in Texas

The logistics transportation system is critical to the United States economy. Underground Logistics Transportation (ULT) is a class of automated transportation systems in which vehicles carry freight through pipelines and tunnels between terminals. Being able to use a part of the underground space of existing highways will greatly facilitate the construction of such pipelines and tunnels and reduce their construction costs. Underground Logistics Transportation (ULT) could be the answer to make freight transport more sustainable and competitive. Texas highways and railroads are expected to increase by nearly 207% from 2003 to 2030. Truck tonnage will grow by 251%, while rail tonnage is forecasted to increase 118%. The number of trucks carrying NAFTA goods will increase by 263%, and the number of rail units will grow by 195%. This will have a profound impact on the highway and rail systems. The objective of this paper is to present requirements and operational components for three types of ULT lines: standard shipping containers, a standard crate size, and a standard pallet size. This study examines the use of ULT as a mode of underground transportation with the help of three case studies. This research shows that ULT is financially viable, feasible, greener, cost effective, and can become an important part of intermodal freight mobility.

Development of multidose thermotolerant formulations of a vector-based Covid-19 vaccine candidate, NDV-HXP-S in different product formats: Stability and preservative efficacy study

Current lead coronavirus vaccines require continuous cold or ultra-cold storage from the manufacturing site to the field to maintain protective efficacy. Since cold chain capacity is limited and complex, logistics planning is crucial to limit vaccine wastage.[1] The restrictive storage concerns also make it difficult to share vaccines between public health departments and neighboring states, leading to increased vaccine wastage.[2] A Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vector-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) vaccine candidate, NDV-HXP-S, offers a cost-effective alternative which aims to improve global access to SARS CoV-2 vaccines.[3] The NDV-HXP-S vaccine candidate can be mass-produced in chicken eggs and has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies, as well as acceptable safety andpotent immunogenicity in clinical studies.[3,4–10] To further advance the NDV-HXP-S vaccine candidate, this manuscript describes work focused on the development of multidose thermotolerant vaccine formulations (i.e., those which would not require continuous extendedrefrigeration), making it convenient to use and store, and simplifying transport and distribution logistics, especially in outbreak settings. Liquid and lyophilized formulations for parenteral administration were rigorously screened for the vaccine formulation’s ability to maintain S-antigen stability after exposure to temperaturestress at 40 °C, 25 °C, and 2 °C to 8 °C storage for six months. Preservative efficacy was evaluated to enable a multidose liquid vaccine format as well as endotoxin testing in lyophilized formulations. Lead liquid vaccine formations were identified that were able to maintain S-antigen content at 2 °C to 8 °C and 25 °C storage for the entire six-month study. Lead lyophilized vaccine formulations were identified which were able to maintain S-antigen content for six months at 2 °C to 8 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C. Both the liquid and lyophilized formulations identified are improved thermotolerant SARS-CoV-2 vaccine formulations.

Comparison of Business Investment Value Between Traditional and New Logistics Companies

The logistics industry has experienced significant transformations as a result of the rapid evolution of globalization and e-commerce, leading to notable shifts in business models, technology applications, and service quality. This paper aims to delve into the differences in business investment value between traditional logistics companies and new logistics companies, while also exploring the impact of these disparities on enterprise competitiveness and future development. And as a goal to provide some high-quality suggestions to the new enterprises currently in development and the traditional enterprises in transformation, to promote the upgrading and development of the logistics industry. To achieve this objective, the study utilizes two primary research methodologies: case analysis and comparative analysis., By conducting a comparative analysis of the financial development and service advantages and disadvantages of two representative traditional logistics companies, FedEX and Amazon logistics, as well as modern logistics companies, this study aims to clarify the significance of digital transformation in the development of traditional logistics enterprises. Furthermore, it provides optimization suggestions for digital logistics transportation information security and other risks, ultimately contributing to the high-quality development of logistics enterprises.

Long Short‐Term Memory‐Based Multi‐Robot Trajectory Planning: Learn from MPCC and Make It Better

The current trajectory planning methods for multi‐robot systems face challenges due to high computational burden and inadequate adaptability in complex constrained environments, obstructing efficiency improvements in production and logistics. This article presents an innovative solution by integrating model predictive contouring control (MPCC) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) networks for real‐time trajectory planning of multiple mobile robots. Based on the datasets generated by MPCC, a customized LSTM network is constructed to learn the collaborative planning behavior from these datasets offline, subsequently producing smooth and efficient trajectories online with a low computational burden. Moreover, a hybrid control scheme, incorporating a lidar‐based safety evaluator, avoids unexpected collision risks by switching to MPCC when necessary, ensuring the overall safety and reliability of the multi‐robot system. The proposed hybrid LSTM method is implemented and tested in the robot operating system (ROS) within diverse constrained scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid LSTM method achieves ≈6% enhancements in trajectory productivity and a reduced computational burden of roughly 75% compared to MPCC, thereby providing a promising solution for local multi‐robot trajectory planning in logistics transportation tasks.

Road Junction Throughput Testing in Transport Logistics—Slovak Case Study

The development of motoring and the ever-increasing traffic load on roads results in congestion and the collapse of traffic in weak places, which, due to their existing construction solution and traffic organization, cannot cover the current and forecasted requirements of carriers. The aim of this article is to present a proposal for a procedure of adjusting the organization of transport, based on our own research and scientific methods of traffic forecasting. The authors work with the hypothesis that there are possibilities of rebuilding weak points in the existing network of overland roads into transport hubs with a higher transport capacity that will cover the requirements of transporters. In this article, the authors emphasize that the basis of the search for an optimal solution to the change in traffic remains the development of calculation methods and consideration of the specific traffic conditions occurring in the given country. Using the example of a case study within the Slovak Republic, we present a proposal for calculation methods based on European standards, which can be used practically without changes in every EU member country. This case study deals with the proposal to transform an uncontrolled four-way intersection into a roundabout. The authors carried out extensive transport research, and on the basis of data analysis, proposed construction and traffic-operational modifications of the existing junction in order to fulfil customer requirements in transport logistics. The proposed solution was verified alternatively with regard to the planned construction of a motorway section near the assessed intersection. When designing the calculation methods, we used our own experimental measurements directly in the area and also included in the calculation methods calculations regarding the capacity of turbo intersections, which are not yet addressed by the technical regulations in the SR environment.

Quantifying environmental impact: carbon emissions analysis of cut and fill work in construction

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in global development, but it also significantly contributes to carbon emissions, necessitating urgent measures to mitigate its environmental impact. The main objective of this research is to analyse and estimate the carbon emissions resulting from cut and fill work in construction projects. This research conducted three comprehensive case studies focusing on heavy equipment excavation, material transport, material spreading, and compaction stages in the construction industry to analyse carbon emissions. The findings reveal that material transport emerges as a prominent source of CO2 emissions within the construction life cycle. This underscores the urgent need for transformative measures to optimize transportation logistics and adopt eco-friendly alternatives, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, for material transport. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of integrating intermodal transportation options to maximize efficiency while minimizing emissions during material movement. The research emphasizes that mitigating carbon emissions in the construction industry requires a comprehensive approach encompassing technological advancements, logistical optimization, and the adoption of sustainable practices. By embracing the strategies highlighted in this study, construction projects can significantly contribute to the global fight against climate change and align with international efforts to achieve a more sustainable future. The insights provided by this research underscore the imperative for collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change and foster a more sustainable and environmentally conscious construction industry.

Cloud technologies in transport logistics

Recently, manufacturers and suppliers of logistics services have been increasingly using cloud technologies in order to reduce their costs and optimize business operations. In clouds there is an opportunity to create a single platform for cargo owners and contractors. The article discusses tracking (tracking the movement of cargo along the route), which helps the company to calculate the exact time of arrival of the vehicle at the point of delivery. With this data, it is possible to plan cargo deliveries. In addition, by means of the cloud, the problem of identifying potholes in roads is solved. Tracking helps to evaluate the quality of the carrier.

An efficient algorithm for data transmission certainty in IIoT sensing network: A priority-based approach.

This paper proposes a novel cache replacement technique based on the notion of combining periodic popularity prediction with size caching. The popularity, size, and time updates characteristics are used to calculate the value of each cache item. When it comes to content replacement, the information with the least value is first eliminated. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the current algorithms in terms of cache hit rate and delay. The hit rate of the proposed scheme is 15.3% higher than GDS, 17.3% higher than MPC, 20.1% higher than LRU, 22.3% higher than FIFO, and 24.8% higher than LFU when 350 different categories of information are present. In real-world industrial applications such as including supply chain management, smart manufacturing, automation energy optimization, intelligent logistics transportation, and e-healthcare applications, it offers a foundation for the selection of caching algorithms.

A Self-Sovereign Identity Privacy-Preserving Scheme for Logistics Transportation Based on One-Time-Use Tokens

The advancement of the logistics industry has fostered the enhancement of operational efficacy within the socioeconomic domain. However, the current inevitable privacy leaks in the process of logistics transportation have seriously affected the development of the industry, which led to a crisis of consumer trust and even caused economic recession. This paper proposes a self-sovereign identity privacy protection scheme tailored specifically for logistics transportation contexts. First, the scheme entails furnishing users with one-time-use tokens while establishing decentralized identities capable of concealing identity information and ensuring the secure transmission of data. Furthermore, the scheme integrates fuzzy identity-based encryption to encrypt identity information, thereby guaranteeing the confidentiality and integrity of logistics user identities along with their associated data. Compared with other schemes, this scheme exhibits superior security in the realm of logistics transportation. Its targeted encryption technology and self-sovereignty strategies address the critical issue of privacy leakage, thereby safeguarding consumer privacy rights and interests while facilitating the sustainable development of the logistics industry.

The Commercial Importance of the Suez Canal in the Context of the Crisis of Economic Globalization and Modern Geopolitical Risks

Aim. To substantiate the regularity of the violation of commercial navigation along the Suez Canal in the context of the crisis of economic globalization and the reformatting of the international order.Tasks. To find out the main prerequisites for the decline of the global transport and logistics infrastructure. To specify the reasons for the violation of navigation in the Red Sea. To show the impact of the decline in cargo transportation through the Suez Canal on the global economy.Methods. In order to achieve the stated purpose of the study, the following methods were used: historicism, which allowed to establish the sequence of crisis manifestations during the operation of the Suez Canal; extraction of relevant information from media materials and its subsequent analysis, which showed the geo-economic importance of the Red Sea area for world navigation, the scale of disorganization of transport communication through the Suez Canal; structural and functional analysis, which contributed to the establishment of the importance of transport logistics in ensuring the smooth functioning of the global economy; a rational choice that brought the authors closer to understanding the motives of the behavior of economic and political actors in the conditions of disorganization of cargo transportation through the Red Sea.Results. The analysis of the main prerequisites for reformatting global transport logistics has been carried out. It is shown that the decline of shipping in the Red Sea is conditioned by the crisis of economic globalization and increased geopolitical risks. The reasons for the violation of navigation in the Red Sea have been established. The impact of the disruption of cargo transportation through the Suez Canal on the global economy has been revealed.Conclusions. The destabilization of global transport routes through the Red Sea seems logical. It is obviously conditioned by the slippage of the neoliberal economic mechanism and the increasing geopolitical competition of Western countries with new centers of economic and political influence. Wars in the Middle East continue to have a destructive impact on the functioning of the global economy. The decline in cargo transportation leads to further disintegration of the previously established global markets. Global shipping companies have taken care of finding safer cargo movements. Producers and consumers of goods and services are forced to look for new partners within national and regional spaces, create new and activate existing transport corridors, which implies increased protectionism, and, therefore, leads to undermining the foundations of the global economy and the unipolar world.

Transportation management, inventory management, and logistics service: Basis for improved supply chain management

Transportation management, inventory management, and logistics service: Basis for improved supply chain management