Logistic Planning Tool for Perishable Goods in Accordance with Green Distribution Logistics and Green Reverse Logistics

Abstract

Distribution and reverse logistics processes are becoming extremely important for companies today. The aim is to reduce continuously the delivery time of goods to buyers or customers while maintaining a set level of customer service. Perishable goods are a special category of goods with a very limited shelf life. This type of goods is very sensitive to temperature fluctuations and any problems in the distribution logistics of perishable goods can lead to their un-saleability in extreme cases. Distribution and reverse logistics processes have an important link to the pillars of sustainability. From the perspective of the social pillar, these logistic activities ensure supply and reverse transport that is important for the functioning of modern human society. From an economic perspective, these logistic processes generate significant costs for companies. From an environmental perspective, distribution and reverse logistics processes generate negative environmental impacts (emissions, noise, and vibration). The aim of the manuscript is to present a vehicle routing problem with pickup and delivery with time windows algorithm-based tool to support logistic planning in the context of distribution and reverse logistics processes and to illustrate its use in a real case study. The use of this tool has led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and cost savings in distribution and reverse logistics for a particular perishable’s distribution company.