Location Model of Pallet Service Centers Based on the Pallet Pool Mode

Containerized transport using pallets can largely improve transport efficiency, reduce damage and mistake rate of goods, it is conducive to improve the logistics service quality. Based on the pallet pool mode, a comprehensive optimization method of pallet service centers location is proposed in the paper, in order to achieve the optimal pallet service network structure. Supply and demand time of each agency in the pallet pool system is fully considered, it aims to realize the pallets circulation through the reasonable arrangement of pallet service centers and reduce inventory. According to the demand of enterprises for pallets and return of pallets from freight terminals, the minimum total cost including the fixed construction cost, inventory cost, delivery and recovery costs and transportation cost is taken as the objective to construct optimization model. Considering the uncertainty of enterprises for the demand of different type pallets, random demand is added and chance constraints with random variables is converted into determinate form. Based on the characteristics of model, the ILOG Cplex is used.