Vehicle routing in cold food supply chain logistics: a literature review

Abstract

PurposeCold supply chain (CSC) distribution systems are vital in preserving the integrity and freshness of transported temperature sensitive products. CSC is also known to be energy intensive with a significant emission footprint. As a result, CSC requires strict monitoring and control management system during storage and transportation to improve safety and reduce profit losses. In this research, a systematic review of recent literature related to the distribution of food CSC products is presented and possible areas to extend research in modeling and decision-making are identified.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes the content of 65 recent articles related to CSC and perishable foods. Several relevant keywords were used in the initial search, which generated a list of 214 articles. The articles were screened based on content relevance in terms of food vehicle routing modeling and quality. Selected articles were categorized and analyzed based on cost elements, modeling framework and solution approach. Finally, recommendations for future research are suggested.FindingsThe review identified several research gaps in CSC logistics literature, where more focused research is warranted. First, the review suggests that dynamic vehicle modeling and routing while considering products quality and environmental impacts is still an open area for research. Second, there is no consensus among researchers in terms of quality degradation models used to assess the freshness of transported cold food. As a result, an investigation of critical parameters and quality modeling is warranted. Third, and due to the problem complexity, there is a need for developing heuristics and metaheuristics to solve such models. Finally, there is a need for extending the single product single compartment CSC to multi-compartment multi-temperature routing modeling.Originality/valueThe article identified possible areas to extend research in CSC distribution modeling and decision-making. Modified models that reflect real applications will help practitioners, food authorities and researchers make timely and more accurate decisions that will reduce food waste and improve the freshness of transported food.

The Development of Sustainable Transportation For E-Grocery

“…There are multiple review papers focusing on general vehicle routing problems (Tan and Yeh 2021), (Vidal, Laporte, and Matl 2020), (Awad et al 2020), (Koç et al 2020), (Guo, van Blokland, and Lodewijks 2017), (Malladi and Sowlati 2018), (Gunawan et al 2021). Vehicle routing algorithms usually focus on shortest distance or delivery time, however, the in the case of food industry food quality must be taken into consideration.…”

“…Some research indicated from theoretical level the need to develop new technological and management approaches for the e-grocery sector. Awad et al (2020) conducted an extensive cold supply chain literature analysis, and indicated 20 publications, which used food quality, shelf life or similar metrics for optimization (Awad, Ndiaye, and Osman 2020). The review identified several research gaps.…”

“…As a result, an investigation of critical parameters and quality modeling is warranted. Third, and due to the problem complexity, there is a need for developing heuristics and metaheuristics to solve such models (Awad et al 2020). Koc et al ( 2020) conducted a literature review and indicated that researchers have given too little attention to the timedepended problems, to meet the challenges face in the city logistics, time-dependencies should be considered more widely (Koç, Laporte, and Tükenmez 2020).…”

Multi-echelon agri-food supply chain network design integrating operational and strategic objectives: a case of public distribution system in India

“…Therefore, the design of supply networks must consider the emissions caused. Awad et al (2020) have reviewed the research in cold food supply chain and emphasized on the need for integration of quality and environmental consideration in vehicle and route planning. Esteso et al (2018) reviews the literature in Agri-food supply chain with a special focus on the inherent characteristics of agricultural produce and the sources of uncertainty.…”

Refrigerated Transport: State of the Art, Technical Issues, Innovations and Challenges for Sustainability

“…• a review by Selvnes et al [17] on publications concerning the use of PCMs in refrigerated transport until 2021; • a review by James et al [18] on publications concerning models for estimating the temperature field inside refrigerated compartments until 2006; • a review by Awad et al [19] on publications concerning the solution of the Vehicle Routing Problem applied to refrigerated transport until 2020.…”