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Vehicle routing concepts in the closed-loop container network of ARN—a case study

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Abstract

In this paper we discuss a real-life case study to optimize the logistics network for the collection of containers from end-of-life vehicle dismantlers in the Netherlands. Advanced planning concepts, such as dynamic assignment of dismantlers to logistic service providers, are analyzed using a simulation model. Based on this model, we periodically solve a vehicle routing problem to gain insight into the long-term performance of the system. The vehicle routing problem considered is a multi-depot pickup and delivery problem with alternative delivery locations. A special characteristic of the problem is the limited vehicle capacity of two containers. We solve this problem with a heuristic based on route generation and set partitioning.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Roelof Reinsma and Annemieke van Burik of Auto Recycling Nederland for their assistance and support during the project. Furthermore, we thank the two anonymous referees for their valuable comments on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CentER applied research, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands

    Ieke le Blanc, Maaike van Krieken, Harold Krikke & Hein Fleuren

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  1. Ieke le Blanc
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  2. Maaike van Krieken
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  3. Harold Krikke
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  4. Hein Fleuren
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Correspondence to Ieke le Blanc.

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le Blanc, I., van Krieken, M., Krikke, H. et al. Vehicle routing concepts in the closed-loop container network of ARN—a case study. OR Spectrum 28, 53–71 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00291-005-0003-6

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