PLANNING MODELS FOR FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION. IN: TRANSPORT LOGISTICS

This paper's goal is to identify some of the main issues in freight transportation planning and operations. It will describe appropriate operations research models, methods, and computer-based planning tools. The contemporary environment of the freight transportation sector, its main players and its general decision making framework is presented. The various decisions and management policies are generally classified according to the following three planning levels: strategic (long term), tactical (medium term), and operational (short term). The paper's presentation is organized according to the three planning levels; in each case, the major players are identified, problems and the main related questions are described, the manner in which the questions have been addressed through the development of operational research models, methods and computer systems are reviewed.