A Path-Based Selection Solution Approach for the Low Carbon Vehicle Routing Problem with a Time-Window Constraint

Due to the gradual improvement of urban traffic network construction and the increasing number of optional paths between any two points, how to optimize a vehicle travel path in a multi-path road network and then improve the efficiency of urban distribution has become a difficult problem for logistics companies. For this purpose, a mixed-integer mathematical programming model with a time window based on multiple paths for urban distribution in a multi-path environment is established and its exact solution solved using software CPLEX. Additionally, in order to test the application and feasibility of the model, simulation experiments were performed on the four parameters of time, distance, cost, and fuel consumption. Furthermore, using Jingdong (JD), the main urban area in Chongqing, as an example, the experimental results reveal that an algorithm that considers the path selection can significantly improve the efficiency of urban distribution in metropolitan areas with complex road structures.