Optimization of Cold Chain Distribution Route with Mixed Time Window considering Customer Priority

In order to study the mixed time window vehicle routing optimization problem based on customer priority, a customer differentiation management strategy based on customer priority is proposed. Combined with the main factors affecting customer priority evaluation and the characteristics of vehicle routing problem with mixed time windows, a comprehensive evaluation index affecting customer priority was first established and DBSCAN clustering algorithm was used for clustering analysis of customer priority to solve the optimization problem of cold chain distribution route considering customer priority. Fuzzy time window of refrigerated vehicles was then constructed with trapezoidal fuzzy number, and a mathematical programming model was built with an objective function for minimizing the sum of fixed, green, penalty, refrigeration, and cargo damage costs. Two scenarios of out-of-stock and not-out-of-stock were designed. Finally, an improved genetic algorithm was used to solve the model, and the rationality of the model was verified through a case of imported fruit distribution in Xiamen City. Results showed that the proposed method can effectively solve the routing problem of refrigerated trucks considering customer priority. Moreover, the findings of this study can provide a new approach for solving the routing optimization problem of refrigerated trucks considering customer priority.