Optimal freight loading zones: a graph-theoretic approach

Abstract

The design of Freight Loading Zones (FLZ) aims to identify the appropriate number and locations of FLZ. We propose a new methodology based on solving the well-known optimization problem of minimum vertex cover on a predefined hypergraph for the design of FLZ. The model is applied on Paris city urban network and have been proven to produce an enhanced saving in terms of average delivery walking distances by around 46% compared to the actual distribution of FLZ.