Optimization Model of Cold-Chain Logistics Network for Fresh Agricultural Products —Taking Guangdong Province as an Example

Abstract

Cold-chain demand of fresh agricultural products is increasing in China, while network layout of cold-chain logistics is in disorder and its cost is huge. To address this problem, this paper casts an optimal model of cold-chain logistics network and tackles it with genetic algorithms. This optimal model takes running total cost of logistics network as the objective, and embeds a nonlinear mixed integer programming including two assignment issues. The model determines optimal layout and logistics management for pre-cooling stations and logistics center for fresh agricultural products. Our main contribution is to consider construction cost and operation cost of cold chain logistics simultaneously. Case study illustrates the effectiveness of the model.