A Hybrid and Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution Algorithm for the Multi-Depot Vehicle Routing Problem in Egg Distribution

Abstract

This paper presents the Hybrid and Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution algorithms (HSADE) to solve an egg distribution problem in Thailand. We introduce and formalize a model for a multi-product, multi-depot vehicle routing problem with a time window, a heterogeneous fleet and inventory restrictions. The goal of the problem is to minimize the total cost. The multiple products comprise customers’ demands with different egg sizes. This paper presents a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model, an initial solution-based constructive heuristic, a new self-adaptive mutation strategy, and a neighborhood search structure with the probability to improve DE. The two measurements of criteria are the heuristic performance (HP) compared with the solution obtained by MILP and the relative improvement (RI) of the solution compared with Thailand’s current egg distribution practice. The computational results show that the performance of HSADE is better than the current practice, and HSADE can provide on average a 14.13% improvement in total cost. Additionally, our proposed algorithm can be applied to similar agriculture logistics in Thailand and worldwide.

A hybrid heuristic approach for the multi-objective multi depot vehicle routing problem

“…The result comprises a set of Pareto optimal solutions that are provided using the GA with the e-constraint method. Similarly, Yu et al (2022) and Moonsri et al (2021) described a combined approach with genetic algorithms that work in conjunction with simulated annealing; and a hybrid differential evolution algorithm to solve the MDVRP considering a heterogeneous fleet vehicle, time windows, and inventory constraints.…”

The Novel Strategy of Differential Evolution for Multi-Fleet Size and Vehicle Routing Problem in Logistics Service Providers

“…They developed a modified DE algorithm to minimize total costs and truck usage, showing considerable improvements. Later, Moonsri et al (2022) [7] proposed a Hybrid and Self-Adaptive DE algorithm (HSADE) to solve the multi-depot vehicle routing problem in Thailand's egg distribution. HSADE demonstrated an average total cost improvement of 14.13%, suggesting potential efficiency enhancements in agricultural logistics.…”

A Novel Multistrategy-Based Differential Evolution Algorithm and Its Application

“…Liu et al [58] presented a mixed-variable DE for solving the hierarchical mixed-variable optimization problem. Moonsri et al [59] presented a hybrid and self-adaptive DE for solving an EGG distribution problem. Chai et al [60] presented a multi-strategy fusion DE with multipopulation, self-adaption and interactive mutation to solve the path planning of UAV.…”