Distributieroutes

Distributieroutes are planned sequences of stops for delivering goods from a distribution center to customers, retailers, or other hubs, forming the backbone of many logistics networks. The goal is to minimize cost and time while meeting service requirements.

Planning involves assigning routes to vehicles, considering constraints such as vehicle capacity, delivery time windows, driver hours, and road networks. Data inputs include locations, demand volumes, time windows, vehicle fleet, working hours, and traffic patterns. Routes are typically designed for efficiency, cost reduction, and service quality, sometimes under sustainability goals.

The planning problem is a variant of the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). Common forms include Capacitated VRP (CVRP), VRP with Time Windows (VRPTW), and VRP with Pickups and Deliveries. In practice, networks may feature multiple depots, dynamic requests, and split deliveries. Methods include exact optimization (integer programming) for small instances and heuristics or metaheuristics (Clark-Wright savings algorithm; genetic algorithms; tabu search; simulated annealing; ant colony) for larger problems.

Real-time and dynamic routing add complexity by allowing rerouting as orders arrive or conditions change. Technologies such as route optimization software, geographic information systems, telematics, and traffic data support decision-making. Sustainability considerations may drive consolidation, electric vehicles, and minimization of idle time or emissions.

Metrics include total distance or time, number of vehicles, average lateness, on-time delivery rate, and cost. Distributieroutes are central to e-commerce, retail distribution, and logistical service providers.