Route Optimization and Scheduling for Asymmetric Micromobility-Based Logistics

Abstract

The optimization of asymmetric transportation problems is a critical challenge in modern logistics, where the complexity of the operational environment significantly influences efficiency. In first-mile and last-mile logistics operations, strategic optimization plays a crucial role in enhancing transportation efficiency. This article explores advanced optimization techniques that improve decision-making in such scenarios. By utilizing mathematical modeling and heuristic algorithms, transportation routes and schedules can be refined to minimize costs and enhance overall performance. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach through a case study focusing on asymmetric transportation problems using micromobility devices in an integrated first-mile/last-mile delivery network. Numerical results from optimization using heuristic solution methods show that the novel approach is suitable to optimize micromobility-based integrated first-mile and las-mile delivery tasks. We examine a network of eight restaurants located in downtown Miskolc, Hungary. To compare the optimized solution with a traditional one, we looked at the total distance in shuttle-based services, which was 121.65 km, with our solution covering 44.55% of the delivery. This led to a 19% improvement in the use of micromobility devices when demand and supply were synchronized. The findings indicate significant improvements in cost-effectiveness, delivery times, and resource utilization, highlighting the importance of structured optimization frameworks in complex logistics networks.