Dispatch Optimization in Bulk Tanker Transport Operations
All modes of freight transportation are subject to flow imbalances that impact the efficiency of asset utilization. The use of Mathematical Programming optimization models has a rich history of application to this problem. We address a particularly difficult variant of this problem that occurs in bulk chemicals transport. This difficulty is created by a large volume of activity, requiring 1,000 tractors and 1,600 tankers, coupled with complex product-sequencing constraints, tanker wash and preparation processes, and driver work rule constraints. To address this problem the engineering group at Schneider has designed and implemented a multi-phase, multi-dimensional matching algorithm and associated software system that enables business planners to leverage optimized solution recommendations.