A Modeling Approach for Cargo Transportation Considering Energy Saving

Abstract

This study presents a cargo transportation system management model that enables users to carry out the cargo process efficiently and economically. Cargo transportation is an important part of the transportation systems network. The advantages of cargo transportation are to ensure the safe delivery of products, save time and reduce costs. This study addresses the solution to the problems of high carbon dioxide emissions, and late and expensive deliveries caused by large distribution networks, by taking into account the density and logistics strategies of the cargo companies. The proposed cargo management system focuses on delivering cargo to destinations along the route that users are currently traveling on. This system is built around three main components: optimized route planning by an A* algorithm, a system model controllable through mobile and web interfaces, and nodes designated as drop-off and pick-up points for cargo. The A* algorithm runs with a reward matrix that also takes direction into account to calculate the optimal route. Users carry out the cargo management and tracking processes on mobile and web interfaces. Automatic nodes, which are the model prototype of the study, represent the cargo vending machines where users deliver/receive their cargo. Through this work, users can view and select cargo to carry while traveling between destinations and earn profits by acting as cargo carriers/drivers.