A fuzzy multi-objective vehicle routing problem for perishable products using gradient evolution algorithm

Managing the distribution process for perishable product is quite challenging. This study extends a classical vehicle routing problem with time windows and time dependent travel time. It consider the uncertainty of perishable products' characteristics in the delivery process through balancing the load in each vehicle. This multi-objective balance cargo vehicle routing problem with time windows and time dependent (MOBCVRPTWTD) is solved by minimizing total cost and balancing the load in each vehicle. This model also considers the uncertainty of travel time which depend on travel congestion. The proposed model is solved using fuzzy multi-objective gradient evolution (GE) algorithm. In this paper, the original GE algorithm is modified into discrete GE algorithm and combined with fuzzy technique in order to solve multi-objective problem. The proposed method is verified using two data sets and compared with genetic algorithm (GA). The computational experiment shows that GE algorithm is able to find better result in shorter computational time.