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Solution of real-world postman problems

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  • Irnich, Stefan

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study performed by the Deutsche post endowed chair of optimization of distribution networks in collaboration with Deutsche Post World Net with the aim of improving the planning of letter mail delivery. Modelling and solution methods for real-world postman problems are presented which extend one of the most general postman problems studied in the literature, the windy rural postman problem, with regard to several aspects. The discussed extensions include turn and street crossing restrictions, cluster constraints, the option to have alternative service modes (including 'zigzag deliveries'), and the use of public transport to reach the postal district. The solution method is based on a transformation to the asymmetric TSP and uses non-standard neighbourhood search techniques. Extensive computational experiments show that the solution method clearly and consistently outperforms standard TSP heuristics on real-world instances.

Suggested Citation

  • Irnich, Stefan, 2008. "Solution of real-world postman problems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 190(1), pages 52-67, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:190:y:2008:i:1:p:52-67
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    1. Le Colleter, Théo & Dumez, Dorian & Lehuédé, Fabien & Péton, Olivier, 2023. "Small and large neighborhood search for the park-and-loop routing problem with parking selection," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 308(3), pages 1233-1248.
    2. Cerrone, Carmine & Dussault, Benjamin & Wang, Xingyin & Golden, Bruce & Wasil, Edward, 2019. "A two-stage solution approach for the Directed Rural Postman Problem with Turn Penalties," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 272(2), pages 754-765.
    3. Thibaut Vidal & Rafael Martinelli & Tuan Anh Pham & Minh Hoàng Hà, 2021. "Arc Routing with Time-Dependent Travel Times and Paths," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 55(3), pages 706-724, May.
    4. Vidal, Thibaut & Laporte, Gilbert & Matl, Piotr, 2020. "A concise guide to existing and emerging vehicle routing problem variants," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 286(2), pages 401-416.
    5. Nossack, Jenny & Golden, Bruce & Pesch, Erwin & Zhang, Rui, 2017. "The windy rural postman problem with a time-dependent zigzag option," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 258(3), pages 1131-1142.
    6. Timo Hintsch & Stefan Irnich, 2017. "Large Multiple Neighborhood Search for the Clustered Vehicle-Routing Problem," Working Papers 1701, Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
    7. Jesica Armas & Peter Keenan & Angel A. Juan & Seán McGarraghy, 2019. "Solving large-scale time capacitated arc routing problems: from real-time heuristics to metaheuristics," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 273(1), pages 135-162, February.
    8. Sun, Li & Zhao, Lindu & Hou, Jing, 2015. "Optimization of postal express line network under mixed driving pattern of trucks," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 147-169.
    9. Timo Hintsch, 2019. "Large Multiple Neighborhood Search for the Soft-Clustered Vehicle-Routing Problem," Working Papers 1904, Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
    10. Hintsch, Timo & Irnich, Stefan, 2018. "Large multiple neighborhood search for the clustered vehicle-routing problem," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 270(1), pages 118-131.
    11. Milica Šelmić & Miloš Nikolić & Aleksandar Čupić, 2020. "Postboxes Quantitative Optimization Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-10, March.

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