Return to search

Incorporating traffic patterns to improve delivery performance

Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2010. / Cataloged from student submitted PDF version of thesis. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-64). / Traffic, construction and other road hazards impact the on-time performance of companies that operate delivery fleets. This study examines how incorporating traffic patterns in vehicle route development compares with standard, deterministic methods. We seek to understand how using historical data improves both planning and overall delivery efficiency. Our analysis contrasts manifests that were developed by an industry standard routing software tool with projections that use traffic data by benchmarking them against actual routes run by drivers. In addition to evaluating the differences between route planning tools, we explore why those differences exist, including how uncertainty is incorporated. Evidence suggests that incorporating traffic patterns into vehicle routing does produce improved solutions. Needless to say, the delivery process needs to be evaluated holistically. Our recommendations involve the various steps for creating and executing a route. Operational considerations, the potential for improving customer service, and areas for further exploration are discussed. This thesis is being conducted with sponsorship from a leading consumer products company and in coordination with the CarTel mobile sensing data project at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). / by Melody J. Dickinson and Jillian Leifer. / M.Eng.in Logistics

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:MIT/oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/60834
Date January 2010
CreatorsDickinson, Melody J, Leifer, Jillian
ContributorsJarrod Goentzel., Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division., Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division.
PublisherMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Source SetsM.I.T. Theses and Dissertation
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format66 p., application/pdf
RightsM.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission., http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Page generated in 0.0013 seconds