Cold chain distribution network design with heterogeneous fleet under carbon reduction policy application effect

To integrate cold chain distribution network design problem with heterogeneous fleet, a multi-objective optimisation model is proposed to simultaneously optimise distribution routes, the quantity of internal combustion and electric refrigerated trucks (ERTs), and the number and location of distribution centres and charging stations with time window constraints, where the cold chain distribution operating cost and the customer dissatisfaction cost are minimised. A hybrid solution methodology, combining a multi-objective artificial fish swarm algorithm with a label-based optimisation algorithm, is presented to address this model. Extensive computational experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis, focusing on the range of ERTs, the purchase subsidy for ERTs, the carbon tax and the carbon emission quota, informs the development of diverse carbon reduction policies. A comparative analysis of the implementation effect of carbon reduction policies can provide optimisation decision support for promoting sustainability in the electrification of cold chain distribution.