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C.H. Robinson Uses Heuristics to Solve Rich Vehicle Routing Problems

Author

Listed:
  • Ehsan Khodabandeh

    (Coupa Software, Chicago, Illinois 60654)

  • Lawrence V. Snyder

    (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015)

  • John Dennis

    (C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347)

  • Joshua Hammond

    (C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347)

  • Cody Wanless

    (C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347)

Abstract

We consider a broad family of vehicle routing problem variants with many complex and practical constraints, known as rich vehicle routing problems, which are faced on a daily basis by C.H. Robinson (CHR). Because CHR has many customers, each with distinct requirements, various routing problems with different objectives and constraints must be solved. We propose a novel framework for solving rich vehicle routing problems, which we demonstrate is effective in solving a variety of different problems. This framework, along with a simple user interface, has been wrapped into a new module and integrated into the company’s transportation planning and execution technology platform. Since its implementation, this new module has outperformed the previously used third-party technologies at CHR, significantly reduced setup times, and improved users’ productivity as well as customer outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ehsan Khodabandeh & Lawrence V. Snyder & John Dennis & Joshua Hammond & Cody Wanless, 2022. "C.H. Robinson Uses Heuristics to Solve Rich Vehicle Routing Problems," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 52(2), pages 173-188, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orinte:v:52:y:2022:i:2:p:173-188
    DOI: 10.1287/inte.2021.1090
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    References listed on IDEAS

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