Bi-objective optimization of e-grocery deliveries considering food quality losses

Abstract

Motivated by urban e-grocery deliveries, this work introduces a vehicle routing procedure to assist a reduction in food waste. A bi-objective problem setting is considered to investigate trade-offs between minimizing travel distances and food quality losses resulting from delivery and loading processes. A store-based last-mile delivery setting is studied, i.e., orders are picked up from stores and subsequently delivered to customers' premises. The problem setting is modeled as a dial-a-ride problem, however, the procedure additionally decides on where to pick up products based on current inventory levels. Results of computational experiments show a substantial trade-off between minimizing travel distances and food quality losses, highlighting the importance of considering such aspects in related delivery operations to facilitate food waste reductions in the future.